How to get rid of lice according to a doctor's advice? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin lotion to the scalp, follow the label’s timing, rinse, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nits. Then comb out remaining eggs with a fine‑tooth nit comb and wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water.
How to get rid of lice according to a doctor's advice? - in detail
Physicians recommend confirming the presence of lice by examining the scalp for live insects and viable nits within ¼ inch of the hair shaft. Diagnosis should be performed under bright light, using a fine-tooth comb to separate strands and reveal hidden stages.
The primary treatment protocol includes:
- Prescription or over‑the‑counter pediculicide – apply a 1% permethrin lotion or a 0.5% malathion solution to dry hair, leave for the time specified on the label (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to eradicate newly hatched nits.
- Manual removal – after chemical treatment, comb the hair with a nit‑removal comb at 2‑minute intervals for three consecutive days. The comb must be rinsed between passes to prevent re‑infestation.
- Alternative agents – for resistant cases, a physician may prescribe a benzyl alcohol lotion (5%) or ivermectin oral tablets, following dosage guidelines based on patient weight and age.
Supporting measures:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any surviving lice.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray insects and nits.
Follow‑up assessment should occur 14 days after the initial treatment. The scalp must be inspected again; any remaining live lice indicate treatment failure and require a second course of medication or a change in therapeutic agent.
Prevention strategies advised by clinicians:
- Avoid head‑to‑head contact during play and sports activities.
- Do not share hats, hairbrushes, helmets, or earbuds.
- Encourage regular scalp checks in schools or daycare settings, especially after known outbreaks.
Special populations—children under two years, pregnant women, and individuals with skin sensitivities—should receive non‑chemical options such as wet combing combined with meticulous hygiene, or a physician‑approved low‑toxicity product.