How should the head be treated with tar soap for lice? - briefly
Apply warm tar soap to thoroughly wet hair, massage it into the scalp for several minutes, keep it on for the recommended 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice. Use a fine-tooth comb to remove dead insects and eggs after each application.
How should the head be treated with tar soap for lice? - in detail
Treating a scalp infested with lice using tar‑based soap requires preparation, application, and post‑treatment care to achieve complete eradication and prevent re‑infestation.
Begin by washing the hair with a mild shampoo to remove excess oil and debris. Rinse thoroughly and towel‑dry until only a damp layer remains. This ensures the tar soap can penetrate the hair shaft and reach the nits attached to the cuticle.
Apply the tar soap directly to the scalp, spreading it evenly from the roots to the tips. Work the product into a thick lather, covering all areas, especially behind the ears, at the nape, and along the hairline where lice commonly hide. Leave the lather on for the duration specified by the manufacturer, typically 10–15 minutes. During this period, the tar’s insecticidal compounds disrupt the nervous system of the parasites, leading to rapid mortality.
After the exposure time, rinse the scalp with warm water until all residue is removed. Follow with a second wash using a regular shampoo to eliminate any remaining soap and to restore hair condition. Dry the hair with a clean towel; avoid using a hair dryer on high heat, which may damage the scalp.
To verify effectiveness, use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair. Comb from the scalp outward in sections, wiping the comb blade after each pass. Inspect the comb for live lice or viable nits. Repeat the combing process daily for three consecutive days, as newly hatched lice may emerge from surviving eggs.
Implement environmental controls to reduce the risk of recurrence. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable objects in airtight containers for at least two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove any fallen insects.
If any live lice are observed after the initial treatment, repeat the tar‑soap application after 7–10 days, following the same protocol. Persistent infestation despite two complete cycles warrants consultation with a healthcare professional for alternative or adjunctive therapies.