How to eliminate lice using products? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following the product’s instructions and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs. Afterwards, comb wet hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove dead insects and eggs, and launder bedding and clothing in hot water.
How to eliminate lice using products? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations relies on a combination of chemical and physical interventions that target both the insects and their eggs. Effective products fall into three categories: insecticidal shampoos or lotions, ovicidal sprays, and non‑chemical alternatives.
Insecticidal preparations contain neurotoxic agents such as permethrin (1 %), pyrethrin, or dimethicone. Application follows a precise protocol: wet the hair, apply the product to the scalp and hair shafts, leave it on for the time specified on the label (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Re‑treatment after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched nymphs that survived the first exposure.
Ovicidal sprays, often based on silicone‑based compounds or essential‑oil blends, are applied to dry hair after the initial shampoo. They penetrate the cement that attaches nymphs to the hair shaft, causing egg mortality. Sprays are typically left in place for several hours or overnight, then removed with a fine‑toothed comb.
Physical methods include:
- Dimethicone‑based lotions that suffocate lice without chemicals; apply generously, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb out dead insects.
- Heat treatment devices that raise hair temperature to 50 °C for a short period, destroying both lice and eggs; use according to manufacturer safety guidelines.
- Manual removal using a metal nit comb; comb hair in sections, wiping the comb after each pass; repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
When selecting a product, consider resistance patterns in the region; permethrin resistance is common, making dimethicone or spinosad preferable. Follow all label instructions regarding dosage, exposure time, and repeat application. Avoid mixing different chemical treatments, as this can increase toxicity without improving efficacy.
After treatment, implement preventive measures: wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks; discourage head‑to‑head contact; and perform weekly inspections using a fine comb to catch any residual infestation early.