How to fight lice at home?

How to fight lice at home? - briefly

Effective home treatment involves thorough combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb after applying a conditioner or specialized lice shampoo to loosen nits. Follow with washing all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and repeating the combing process after 7‑10 days to eradicate any newly hatched insects.

How to fight lice at home? - in detail

Effective removal of head lice in a domestic setting requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical, chemical, and environmental measures. The process begins with thorough inspection of the scalp and hair. Use a fine-toothed lice comb on damp hair, section by section, to locate live insects and nits attached to hair shafts. Repeat the combing routine every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.

The following steps outline a comprehensive protocol:

  1. Mechanical removal
    • Wet hair with a conditioner to loosen nits.
    • Apply a metal or plastic lice comb, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends.
    • After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and repeat until no live lice or nits are visible.
  2. Topical treatment
    • Choose an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, following label instructions precisely.
    • Apply the product to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
    • Avoid repeated applications within 7 days to reduce resistance risk.
  3. Secondary application
    • After 7 days, repeat the pediculicide treatment to eliminate any lice that survived the first cycle.
    • Perform a second mechanical combing session 24 hours after the second application.
  4. Environmental control
    • Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing worn 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 two weeks.
    • Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
  5. Preventive measures
    • Instruct household members to avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories.
    • Encourage regular head checks, especially after school or group activities.

Monitoring continues for three weeks after the final treatment. Absence of live lice and nits on successive combing sessions confirms successful eradication. If infestation persists, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options.