How should hair be treated for lice? - briefly
Apply a lice‑killing shampoo or lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin, follow the label’s exposure time, then rinse and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Repeat the process after 7–10 days and launder all personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How should hair be treated for lice? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice from hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical agents, thorough combing, and environmental decontamination.
The initial step involves selecting an appropriate pediculicide. Options include:
- Permethrin‑based lotions (1 %) applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone‑based silicone oils, applied to wet hair, left for 30 minutes before washing.
- Malathion (0.5 %) for resistant infestations, applied to dry hair, left for 8‑12 hours, then washed.
If chemical resistance is suspected, a mechanical method such as wet combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb can replace or supplement treatment. Procedure:
- Saturate hair with conditioner or a detangling spray.
- Divide hair into sections of 2‑3 cm.
- Comb each section from scalp to tip, wiping the comb after each pass.
- Repeat process every 2‑3 days for a total of three sessions, covering the lice life cycle.
Following treatment, rinse hair with hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) to destroy remaining nits. Dry hair thoroughly; avoid re‑wetting for at least 24 hours.
Environmental control includes:
- Washing bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and drying on high heat.
- Sealing non‑washable items in airtight bags for two weeks.
- Vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray insects.
Repeat the chosen pediculicide or combing regimen after 7‑10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice that survived the first round.
Monitoring continues for four weeks, inspecting the scalp and hair every 2‑3 days. Absence of live insects and viable nits indicates successful eradication.