How to cure nits and lice? - briefly
Apply a WHO‑approved pediculicide shampoo to clean hair, then use a fine‑toothed «nit» comb to extract eggs and kill adult «lice», repeating the process after seven days. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in water ≥ 60 °C or seal them in airtight containers for two weeks to block resurgence.
How to cure nits and lice? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations requires immediate removal of live insects and their eggs, followed by measures that prevent re‑infestation.
Accurate identification precedes any intervention. Use a fine‑tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair; live lice move quickly, while nits appear as oval, firmly attached structures near the scalp.
Mechanical elimination:
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner to damp hair.
- Section hair and run a metal nit‑comb from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.
Chemical options:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone‑based products that suffocate insects, applied according to manufacturer instructions.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension, a prescription‑only treatment, used once and repeated after 7 days if live lice remain.
Natural alternatives:
- Tea‑tree oil (0.5 % concentration) mixed with carrier oil, applied to scalp for 30 minutes before washing.
- Coconut oil applied overnight, then combed to dislodge nits.
- Vinegar (5 % acetic acid) used as a rinse to loosen egg attachments, followed by thorough combing.
Environmental control:
- Wash bedding, towels, hats, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray insects.
Monitoring:
- Inspect hair after each treatment session.
- Continue weekly checks for four weeks to confirm eradication.
Combining meticulous combing with an effective topical agent, while addressing personal items, yields the highest success rate in eliminating lice and their eggs.