How to cure lice with shampoo? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo with 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin to wet hair, massage the scalp, leave it on for the recommended 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and repeat the treatment in 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched nits.
How to cure lice with shampoo? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations with a shampoo requires a systematic approach that combines proper product selection, thorough application, and post‑treatment measures.
Choose a medicated shampoo that contains an approved insecticide such as permethrin (1 %), pyrethrin, or dimethicone. Verify that the product is labeled for lice control and follow the manufacturer’s concentration guidelines. For resistant cases, consider a dimethicone‑based formulation, which works by coating and suffocating the insects rather than relying on neurotoxic agents.
Apply the shampoo according to these steps:
- Wet the hair completely; ensure the scalp is saturated.
- Dispense the recommended amount of shampoo and massage it into the scalp and hair for at least two minutes, covering the entire head.
- Leave the product on for the exact duration indicated on the label (typically 10 – 15 minutes). Do not exceed the time limit to avoid scalp irritation.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, removing all residue.
- After rinsing, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb through to the ends, wiping the teeth after each pass. Repeat until no live lice or viable nits are seen.
- If any lice remain, repeat the entire process after 7–10 days, as newly hatched insects may emerge from eggs that survived the first treatment.
Support the chemical action with these additional precautions:
- Wash all recently used bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve any remaining parasites.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or hair accessories during the treatment period.
Monitor the scalp for at least three weeks. If live insects persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative prescriptions or combination therapy.