How to deal with head lice? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide lotion or shampoo, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb while wet, repeating the combing after seven days to eliminate newly hatched insects. Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in water above 130 °F (54 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to deal with head lice? - in detail
Head‑lice infestations require prompt identification and systematic eradication.
The parasites are small, wingless insects that cling to hair shafts near the scalp. Nits, the eggs, appear as oval, cemented bodies attached to strands. Visual inspection should focus on the nape, behind ears, and crown region; a fine-tooth comb can separate hair and reveal live insects or viable eggs.
Effective control follows a three‑stage protocol:
- Chemical or physical treatment – Apply a pediculicide approved for use on children and adults. Options include:
- Permethrin‑based lotions (1 % concentration) applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone‑based products that suffocate insects without neurotoxic action.
- Prescription ivermectin or malathion for resistant cases.
- Wet combing with a metal nit‑comb after applying a conditioner; repeat every 3 days for two weeks.
- Environmental decontamination – Wash all bedding, hats, scarves, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for 48 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove detached nits.
- Follow‑up inspection – Re‑examine the scalp 7 days after the initial treatment; administer a second dose of the chosen product if live insects persist. Continue weekly checks for an additional 2 weeks to confirm eradication.
Prevention strategies focus on minimizing transmission:
- Advise against sharing combs, hair accessories, or headwear.
- Encourage routine screening in schools and childcare settings, especially after known outbreaks.
- Recommend short haircuts or regular trimming to reduce hair length where nits can embed.
Adhering to the outlined steps eliminates the infestation and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.