How do you properly treat lice? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin‑based treatment to dry hair, leave it on for the recommended time, then remove live insects and nits with a fine‑toothed comb; repeat the process after 7–10 days. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
How do you properly treat lice? - in detail
Effective management of head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach that addresses live insects, eggs, and the surrounding environment.
Confirm the presence of lice by examining the scalp under good lighting. Use a fine‑toothed comb to separate hair and look for adult insects and nits attached within 1 cm of the scalp. Record the number of live lice and nits to gauge treatment success.
Chemical agents
- Permethrin 1 % lotion: apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, rinse, repeat after 7–10 days.
- Pyrethrin + piperonyl butoxide: same schedule as permethrin.
- Malathion 0.5 %: apply to damp hair, leave for 8–12 hours, wash out, repeat after 7 days.
- Dimethicone (100 % silicone oil): coat hair, leave for 10 minutes, rinse; no resistance reported, repeat after 7 days.
Follow label directions precisely; overdosing can cause scalp irritation. Resistance to pyrethroids is documented, so consider dimethicone or malathion when prior treatments fail.
Mechanical removal
- Wet combing: saturate hair with conditioner, use a metal nit comb, pull from scalp outward in 5‑cm sections, repeat every 2–3 days for 2 weeks.
- Heated air: specialized devices deliver 50–55 °C air for 10 minutes, destroying lice and nits without chemicals.
- Occlusive methods: apply petroleum jelly or silicone oil, cover with a shower cap for 8 hours, then comb out.
Environmental control
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags afterward.
- Avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones until the infestation clears.
Follow‑up protocol
- Re‑examine the scalp 7–10 days after the initial treatment; any surviving lice require a second application of the chosen pediculicide or repeat mechanical removal.
- Conduct a final check 14 days post‑treatment; absence of live lice and viable nits confirms eradication.
- Educate all household members about early detection and prompt treatment to prevent reinfestation.
Adhering to this multi‑step regimen maximizes eradication rates while minimizing recurrence.