How to deal with lice in an adult? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin, leave it on the scalp for the recommended time, then rinse and repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Follow with thorough combing using a fine-toothed lice comb and wash all personal items (clothing, bedding, hats) in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to deal with lice in an adult? - in detail
Adult head‑lice infestations require prompt identification and systematic eradication. The parasite clings to hair shafts, feeds on blood, and reproduces rapidly; a single female can lay up to 100 eggs within a week.
Diagnosis begins with visual inspection of the scalp. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair to separate strands. Look for live insects, translucent nymphs, and oval, brownish eggs attached within 1 mm of the scalp. Confirm presence by counting at least three live lice or by finding viable eggs in multiple sections of the head.
Effective treatment combines chemical and mechanical actions. Recommended steps:
- Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion or a 0.5 % malathion rinse according to the product label; leave for the specified duration, then rinse thoroughly.
- After chemical treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair at least every 2–3 days for two weeks; remove all visible lice and eggs.
- For resistant infestations, a prescription oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) may be administered as a single dose, followed by a second dose after 7 days.
- In cases of allergy or intolerance to pediculicides, a silicone‑based lotion (e.g., dimethicone 4 %) can be used; it suffocates the insects without neurotoxic effects.
Environmental control prevents re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, hats, scarves, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard hair‑brushes and combs, or soak them in hot water for 10 minutes.
Prevention focuses on minimizing direct head‑to‑head contact and avoiding sharing personal accessories. Regular self‑examination, especially after contact with known cases, allows early detection. Educate close contacts about the life cycle of the parasite and the necessity of simultaneous treatment to break transmission chains.