How to cure lice and nits? - briefly
«Use a pediculicide shampoo or lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin, apply according to label instructions, then remove remaining nits with a fine-tooth comb, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days.» «Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.»
How to cure lice and nits? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental sanitation.
Initial assessment involves confirming the presence of live insects and their attached eggs. Live lice appear as small, tan or gray insects moving quickly on the scalp, while nits are oval, firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp.
Chemical options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nits.
- Pyrethrin‑based products, used similarly, effective for susceptible populations.
- Prescription ivermectin oral tablets, 200 µg/kg single dose, for resistant cases; a second dose after 7 days improves outcomes.
Mechanical removal complements chemicals:
- Fine‑toothed nit combs, used on wet, conditioner‑treated hair, comb from scalp outward in sections; repeat every 2–3 days for at least two weeks.
- Manual extraction with tweezers for visible lice, performed under good lighting to avoid scalp injury.
Environmental measures reduce reinfestation risk:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove detached nits.
Alternative agents, such as dimethicone‑based lotions, suffocate lice without neurotoxic chemicals; apply to dry hair, leave for 8 hours, then rinse. Essential‑oil preparations (e.g., tea‑tree, neem) lack consistent efficacy and should not replace approved treatments.
Follow‑up inspection after each treatment cycle confirms success; absence of live lice and empty nits indicates resolution. Persistent detection after two treatment rounds warrants medical evaluation for possible resistance or alternative therapy.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates infestations, prevents recurrence, and minimizes discomfort.