How to destroy lice eggs? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide approved for nits and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb soaked in hot water, repeating the process every 2–3 days for two weeks. Heat treatment—using a high‑heat hair dryer or a lice‑removal lamp—also destroys the eggs efficiently.
How to destroy lice eggs? - in detail
Effective eradication of lice ova requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental actions. Chemical agents that penetrate the protective shell include 1% permethrin lotion, 0.5% malathion spray, 1% benzyl alcohol solution, 0.9% spinosad suspension, and ivermectin lotion. Apply the product to dry hair, cover the scalp for the manufacturer‑specified duration, then rinse thoroughly. Re‑application after 7–10 days is essential because any surviving nits will hatch within that interval.
Mechanical removal relies on meticulous wet combing. Wet the hair with a conditioner, use a fine‑toothed nit comb, and pull the comb from scalp to tip in a single motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white towel to inspect for attached eggs. Perform the procedure every 2–3 days for two weeks to ensure all newly emerged lice are captured.
Heat treatment destroys ova by denaturing proteins. Expose the scalp to a hair dryer set at high temperature (≥ 130 °C) for at least 30 seconds per section, or use a specialized steam device that maintains 100 °C for 10 minutes. Heat must reach the base of each hair shaft; otherwise, eggs may survive.
Cold treatment can be effective for non‑hair items. Place hats, scarves, and brushes in a sealed plastic bag and freeze at –20 °C for 24 hours. Freezing does not affect eggs on the scalp, so it must be combined with other methods.
Environmental control eliminates reinfestation sources. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in water ≥ 60 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight bags for at least two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag afterward. Ozone generators may be employed in closed rooms, following safety guidelines, to reduce residual eggs on surfaces.
The life cycle of head lice dictates a treatment schedule. Eggs hatch in 7–10 days, nymphs mature in 3–4 days, and adults live up to 30 days. Therefore, any single intervention must be repeated after the hatching window to target newly emerged insects. Compliance with the full protocol—chemical application, thorough combing, heat or cold exposure, and environmental sanitation—ensures complete destruction of lice eggs and prevents recurrence.