How should the head be treated for lice?

How should the head be treated for lice? - briefly

Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion according to the product directions, leave it on for the recommended period, then rinse and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched insects.

How should the head be treated for lice? - in detail

Treating a lice‑infested scalp requires a systematic approach that eliminates live insects, removes eggs, and prevents re‑infestation. The following protocol combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures.

1. Select an appropriate pediculicide

   • FDA‑approved options include 1 % permethrin lotion, 0.5 % malathion solution, or 0.05 % spinosad suspension.
   • Apply according to the product label: saturate dry hair, leave on for the specified duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.

2. Combine with a fine‑toothed nit comb

   • After rinsing, while hair remains damp, use a metal nit comb to remove nits and dead lice.
   • Section hair, comb from scalp to tips, and wipe the comb on a paper towel after each pass.
   • Repeat combing at 24‑hour intervals for three consecutive days to catch newly hatched lice.

3. Address resistant populations

   • If lice persist after two treatment cycles, switch to a different active ingredient (e.g., from permethrin to malathion) to avoid resistance.
   • Consult a healthcare professional before using prescription‑only products such as ivermectin lotion.

4. Implement environmental controls

   • Wash all recently used bedding, hats, hair accessories, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
   • Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least two weeks.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs that may contain nits.

5. Educate household members

   • Inspect all close contacts; treat anyone with evidence of infestation to interrupt transmission.
   • Advise against sharing combs, hats, or pillows during the treatment period.

6. Monitor and confirm eradication

   • Perform a scalp examination 7‑10 days after the final treatment.
   • Absence of live lice and nits indicates successful resolution; any residual nits without viable insects do not require further chemical treatment.

By adhering to this multi‑step regimen—effective pediculicide application, thorough nit removal, resistance management, and rigorous environmental hygiene—complete elimination of head lice can be achieved with minimal risk of recurrence.