How to fight lice on the head? - briefly
Use a medicated shampoo or lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin, apply according to instructions, then comb hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove nits; repeat treatment in 7‑10 days and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water.
How to fight lice on the head? - in detail
Detecting an infestation promptly prevents spreading. Examine the scalp in a well‑lit area, using a fine‑toothed comb to separate sections of hair. Live insects appear as grayish‑brown bodies about the size of a sesame seed; nits cling tightly to the shaft within a few millimeters of the scalp.
Effective eradication combines chemical or mechanical treatment with environmental sanitation.
Chemical agents
- Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin‑based products used for 10 minutes, followed by a second application after 7–10 days.
- Prescription ivermectin oral dose (200 µg/kg) for resistant cases, administered under medical supervision.
Mechanical removal
- Wet‑comb method: saturate hair with conditioner, run a nit‑comb from scalp outward in 1‑inch increments, repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Ensure each pass removes visible insects and eggs; discard comb teeth after each use.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect scalp after each treatment session; persist until no live insects or viable nits are observed.
- Repeat chemical treatment after 7–10 days to break the life cycle and eliminate newly hatched lice.
Adhering to this protocol eliminates head‑lice infestations and minimizes recurrence.