How do you wash lice? - briefly
Wash the hair with a medicated shampoo in water hot enough to kill insects (at least 130 °F/55 °C), then immediately comb through with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove any remaining lice and eggs. Repeat the process after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched parasites.
How do you wash lice? - in detail
Removing head‑lice through washing requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, and thorough cleaning of the environment.
Begin with the affected person. Apply a pediculicide shampoo that contains 1 % permethrin or a non‑neurotoxic alternative such as dimethicone. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time, typically 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. After rinsing, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet hair, moving from scalp to tip in small sections. Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched nymphs. Dispose of combed material by sealing it in a plastic bag and discarding it.
Next, launder all personal items that contacted the scalp. Wash clothing, towels, and bedding in water at a minimum of 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 30 minutes. If high temperature is unavailable, soak items in a solution of 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes before washing in cool water. Place non‑washable items (hats, hair accessories) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any surviving lice.
Finally, treat the living space. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor crevices thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately. Seal vacuum bags in a sealed container for a week before disposal. Do not apply insecticides to furniture or carpets, as residual chemicals pose health risks.
Key points to remember: use a proven pediculicide, maintain wet combing, wash or isolate all contaminated fabrics, and clean the environment with vacuuming and isolation. Adhering to this protocol eliminates the infestation and prevents re‑infestation.