How should clothing lice be treated and with what? - briefly
To eradicate clothing lice, wash all affected clothing, bedding, and towels in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, treat them with a 0.5 % permethrin spray and seal them in a plastic bag for 48 hours.
How should clothing lice be treated and with what? - in detail
Clothing lice, also known as body lice, inhabit garments and lay eggs on fabric fibers. Effective eradication requires simultaneous treatment of the host’s skin and the infested clothing.
The first step is to eliminate the insects from all textiles. Wash every item that has been in contact with the affected person in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. If washing is not possible, dry‑clean the garments or place them in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. Ironing seams and folds adds an extra safety margin, as temperatures above 140 °F (60 °C) kill both lice and nits.
The second step addresses the skin. Apply a pediculicide lotion or cream containing permethrin 1 % or ivermectin 0.5 % according to the product instructions. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to target any newly hatched lice that survived the initial treatment.
Environmental decontamination supplements personal measures. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattress surfaces thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use. Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for at least two weeks, preventing any surviving lice from emerging.
A concise protocol:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥130 °F) for ≥10 minutes.
- Dry‑clean or tumble‑dry on high heat for ≥30 minutes if washing is unavailable.
- Iron seams and folds at ≥140 °F.
- Apply permethrin 1 % or ivermectin 0.5 % lotion/cream to the skin; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Vacuum and clean all household fabrics; seal non‑launderable items for two weeks.
Adherence to this regimen removes the parasite from both the host and the environment, preventing re‑infestation.