How should lice on the head be treated? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion according to the label, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove live insects and eggs; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How should lice on the head be treated? - in detail
Effective management of head‑lice infestation requires accurate identification, immediate therapeutic action, and thorough environmental control.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits within three centimeters of the scalp. Use a fine‑tooth comb on wet hair, sectioning the scalp to expose all areas. Live insects move quickly; nits appear as oval, white or brownish structures firmly attached to the hair shaft.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide according to the product label. Common active ingredients include:
- 1% permethrin lotion (single application, repeat after 7–10 days)
- 0.5% malathion solution (single application, repeat after 7 days)
- 0.05% ivermectin lotion (single application, repeat after 7 days)
For resistant cases, prescription‑strength options such as benzyl alcohol 5% lotion, spinosad 0.9% suspension, or oral ivermectin may be used under medical supervision.
Third, remove residual nits mechanically. After the chemical treatment dries, comb the hair with a fine, metal nit comb at 5‑minute intervals for at least three days. Each pass should start at the scalp and move toward the hair tip, wiping the comb after every stroke.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items and the immediate environment. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or exposed to a freezer at –18 °C for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to eliminate stray lice.
Fifth, monitor for reinfestation. Perform weekly inspections for four weeks, repeating the combing procedure if any live lice are observed.
Finally, educate all household members about avoidance of head‑to‑head contact, sharing of hats, combs, and hair accessories, and proper hygiene practices to reduce transmission risk.