How should one wash after having lice? - briefly
Use hot water (at least 130 °F/54 °C) and a thorough shampoo, then rinse repeatedly to remove all nits and debris; follow with a full-body wash in the same hot water, laundering clothes and bedding on the same temperature. Ensure all surfaces are cleaned and vacuumed to prevent re‑infestation.
How should one wash after having lice? - in detail
After confirming that head‑lice have been eliminated, the next step is a thorough cleansing routine to remove any remaining nits, eggs, or debris and to prevent re‑infestation.
Begin by selecting a medicated shampoo that contains permethrin, pyrethrin, or a similar ovicidal agent. Apply the product to wet hair, following the manufacturer’s recommended concentration. Massage the scalp gently for at least two minutes to ensure coverage of the entire surface, including the nape and behind the ears where lice tend to hide. Rinse with water at a temperature of 37‑40 °C; this range is warm enough to dissolve residue but not so hot as to cause scalp irritation.
After the medicated wash, follow with a regular shampoo to remove any remaining chemical traces. Rinse thoroughly, then condition only if the scalp feels dry, avoiding heavy conditioners that may coat hair shafts and conceal surviving eggs.
While the hair is still damp, use a fine‑toothed nit comb. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through a small section of hair, wiping the teeth after each pass. Continue combing until no live insects or viable nits are visible. Repeat the combing process after each wash for at least seven days, as newly hatched lice emerge from eggs that survived the initial treatment.
All personal items that contacted the head must be decontaminated:
- Clothing, hats, pillowcases, towels: machine‑wash in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Hair accessories (combs, brushes, clips): soak in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.
- Bedding and upholstered furniture: vacuum thoroughly; for non‑washable fabrics, apply a steam cleaner or an approved insecticidal spray.
Discard or isolate any items that cannot be cleaned, such as stuffed animals, for a minimum of two weeks.
Maintain the washing schedule for a full week, repeating the medicated shampoo on day 7 to target any late‑hatching nits. Monitor the scalp daily; if live lice reappear, consult a healthcare professional for alternative treatment options.