How to eliminate lice on a person? - briefly
Apply an approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion, leave it on for the recommended time, then remove all live insects and nits with a fine-toothed comb. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to block re‑infestation.
How to eliminate lice on a person? - in detail
Effective removal of head lice requires a systematic approach that combines immediate treatment, thorough cleaning of personal items, and follow‑up monitoring.
First, confirm infestation by inspecting the scalp and hair under bright light. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb to separate strands and look for live insects or viable eggs attached close to the scalp.
Apply an approved pediculicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion: apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.
- Pyrethrin‑based spray: apply to damp hair, keep for 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
- Dimethicone lotion: coat hair, leave for 30 minutes, then wash out.
If resistance is suspected, consider a non‑chemical option such as dimethicone or a silicone‑based product, which suffocates the parasites without neurotoxic action.
After treatment, remove remaining nits with a metal nit comb. Perform combing in sections, pulling the comb from the scalp outward to extract attached eggs. Repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for two weeks to catch newly hatched lice.
Environmental decontamination is essential to prevent re‑infestation:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
A second chemical treatment is recommended 7–10 days after the first application to eliminate any lice that survived the initial dose. Follow the same dosage and timing as the first round.
Monitor the scalp daily for at least three weeks. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative prescription therapies, such as ivermectin lotion or oral agents.
Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding head‑to‑head contact in crowded settings.
- Not sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories.
- Regularly inspecting children’s hair during peak transmission seasons.
Adhering to these steps maximizes the likelihood of complete eradication and minimizes the risk of recurrence.