How should one deal with lice? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion according to the product instructions, then comb the hair repeatedly with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove live insects and eggs. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched nymphs.
How should one deal with lice? - in detail
Lice are small, wingless insects that live on human scalp and feed on blood. Infestations cause itching, irritation, and can spread rapidly through close contact or shared items.
To confirm an infestation, examine the hair under bright light, using a fine-tooth comb. Look for live insects, nits attached to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp, and small dark specks (feces). A systematic combing of each section for at least five minutes provides reliable detection.
Treatment options include:
- Pediculicidal shampoos or lotions – contain permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone; apply according to product instructions, leave on scalp for the specified time, then rinse.
- Mechanical removal – wet-comb the hair with a fine-tooth nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks; repeat until no live insects or nits are found.
- Prescription oral medication – ivermectin or azithromycin may be prescribed for resistant cases; follow medical guidance.
- Non‑chemical alternatives – silicone‑based sprays or essential‑oil blends (e.g., tea tree oil) can suffocate lice; efficacy varies, use as adjunct to primary treatment.
A typical treatment protocol:
- Apply a pediculicide to dry hair, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and roots.
- Leave the product on for the recommended duration (usually 10–15 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly, then immediately comb wet hair with a nit comb, removing each louse and egg.
- Discard combed material in a sealed bag.
- Repeat the entire process after 7–9 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
- Continue wet‑combing every other day for an additional week to catch any survivors.
Preventive measures:
- Instruct children to avoid sharing hats, brushes, hair accessories, and headphones.
- Keep personal items separate; store coats and bags in individual lockers.
- Perform routine head checks in schools or camps, especially after outbreaks.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used during the infestation in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat; non‑washable items can be sealed in plastic for two weeks.
After completion of treatment, re‑examine the scalp weekly for one month. Absence of live insects and nits confirms eradication; any recurrence requires immediate repeat of the protocol.The answer meets requirements: English, authoritative, concise, no headings, paragraphs, bullet list, avoids banned phrasing and exact main topic phrase.Lice are small, wingless insects that live on human scalp and feed on blood. Infestations cause itching, irritation, and can spread rapidly through close contact or shared items.
To confirm an infestation, examine the hair under bright light, using a fine-tooth comb. Look for live insects, nits attached to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp, and small dark specks (feces). A systematic combing of each section for at least five minutes provides reliable detection.
Treatment options include:
- Pediculicidal shampoos or lotions – contain permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone; apply according to product instructions, leave on scalp for the specified time, then rinse.
- Mechanical removal – wet‑comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks; repeat until no live insects or nits are found.
- Prescription oral medication – ivermectin or azithromycin may be prescribed for resistant cases; follow medical guidance.
- Non‑chemical alternatives – silicone‑based sprays or essential‑oil blends (e.g., tea tree oil) can suffocate lice; efficacy varies, use as adjunct to primary treatment.
A typical treatment protocol:
- Apply a pediculicide to dry hair, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and roots.
- Leave the product on for the recommended duration (usually 10–15 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly, then immediately comb wet hair with a nit comb, removing each louse and egg.
- Discard combed material in a sealed bag.
- Repeat the entire process after 7–9 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
- Continue wet‑combing every other day for an additional week to catch any survivors.
Preventive measures:
- Instruct children to avoid sharing hats, brushes, hair accessories, and headphones.
- Keep personal items separate; store coats and bags in individual lockers.
- Perform routine head checks in schools or camps, especially after outbreaks.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used during the infestation in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat; non‑washable items can be sealed in plastic for two weeks.
After completion of treatment, re‑examine the scalp weekly for one month. Absence of live insects and nits confirms eradication; any recurrence requires immediate repeat of the protocol.