How do you get rid of lice? - briefly
Apply a permethrin‑ or pyrethrin‑based treatment and comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb after each application. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to stop re‑infestation.
How do you get rid of lice? - in detail
Lice survive by clinging to hair shafts and feeding on blood; an infestation spreads quickly through direct head‑to‑head contact or shared items. Immediate action stops reproduction, which occurs every 24‑48 hours, and prevents secondary skin irritation.
Preparation
- Confirm the presence of live insects or viable eggs (nits) within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Gather a fine‑toothed lice comb, a disposable towel, gloves, and a suitable treatment product.
- Read the product label for age restrictions and contraindications.
Chemical agents
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl‑butoxide are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed.
- Prescription options such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin lotion are reserved for resistant cases; follow exact dosing intervals.
- After application, wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
Mechanical removal
- Wet the hair with a conditioner to immobilize insects.
- Use a metal lice comb, starting at the scalp and pulling toward the hair tip; clean the comb after each pass.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched nymphs.
- For severe infestations, consider a professional “wet‑comb” service that incorporates a heated water rinse to increase efficacy.
Suffocation techniques
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a silicone‑based oil to the scalp, cover with a shower cap, and leave for 8–12 hours; then comb out the dead insects.
- Heat treatments using a specialized dryer set to 125 °F for 10 minutes can kill lice on the head, but must be performed by trained personnel to avoid burns.
Environmental control
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Store non‑washable items (hats, helmets, hair accessories) in sealed containers for at least 72 hours.
- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, headphones, or pillows until the infestation resolves.
Follow‑up