How should the head be treated for lice with tar soap? - briefly
Apply the tar‑based soap directly to the scalp, massage in for the time indicated on the product (typically 5–10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly and use a fine‑toothed comb to remove any remaining nits. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to ensure any newly hatched lice are eliminated.
How should the head be treated for lice with tar soap? - in detail
Tar‑based soap functions as a contact insecticide; it must be applied directly to the hair and scalp to kill lice and their eggs.
Preparation
- Choose a genuine coal‑tar soap with a concentration of at least 5 % tar.
- Verify that the product is free of additional fragrances or moisturizers that could dilute the active ingredient.
- Perform a skin‑patch test on a small area of the neck for 15 minutes; discontinue use if irritation appears.
Application procedure
- Wet the hair with lukewarm water; do not use shampoo beforehand.
- Rub a generous amount of the tar soap into the scalp, working from the roots to the tips to ensure full coverage.
- Massage gently for 2–3 minutes to allow the tar to penetrate the hair shaft and reach nits attached to the hair cuticle.
- Leave the soap on the scalp for 10 minutes; do not rinse prematurely.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, removing all residue.
Post‑treatment steps
- Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb while still damp; remove dead insects and loosen remaining eggs.
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
- Repeat the entire process after 7 days, targeting any newly hatched lice that survived the first treatment.
Precautions
- Avoid use on children younger than 2 years, on broken skin, or on individuals with known sensitivity to coal tar.
- Do not combine tar soap with other chemical pediculicides; interactions may increase toxicity.
- Monitor for signs of dermatitis; discontinue if redness, itching, or swelling intensifies.
Following these steps maximizes the efficacy of tar soap against head lice while minimizing adverse reactions.