How to destroy lice at home? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo to damp hair, leave it on for the specified duration, rinse, and comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and tumble‑dry on high heat to eliminate remaining eggs.
How to destroy lice at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations at home requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment of the scalp, thorough cleaning of personal items, and repeated monitoring.
The first step is to apply an approved pediculicide. Choose a product containing either 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Apply the lotion or shampoo to dry hair, keep it on for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. If resistance is suspected, a 0.1 % malathion preparation may be used under medical guidance.
After the chemical treatment, remove live insects and eggs with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Work in sections, moving the comb from scalp to tip of hair after each pass. Examine the comb after each stroke; discard any captured lice. Repeat combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to capture newly hatched nymphs.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk:
- Wash all 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 a sealed plastic bag for 14 days.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Soak hair accessories (combs, brushes, hats) in hot water for 10 minutes, then dry on high heat.
If chemical agents are unavailable or contraindicated, consider alternative measures:
- Apply 10 % tea‑tree oil mixed with a carrier oil to the scalp; leave for 30 minutes before washing. Repeat daily for a week.
- Use a 1 % dimethicone lotion, which suffocates lice without toxicity; follow the same application schedule as pediculicides.
- Heat treatment with a hair dryer set to high temperature for 15 minutes can kill lice on the scalp, but does not affect eggs.
Monitor progress by inspecting the hair daily. Presence of live insects after the second treatment cycle indicates possible resistance; consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options.
Maintain vigilance for at least one month to ensure complete eradication. Regularly wash personal items and avoid sharing hair accessories to prevent future outbreaks.