How to get rid of lice and nits on hair? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, then comb wet, conditioned hair with a fine-toothed nit comb, repeating the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks while laundering bedding and clothing in hot water.
How to get rid of lice and nits on hair? - in detail
Head lice infestations require a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, thorough combing, and environmental decontamination.
First, confirm the presence of live insects and attached eggs by examining the scalp with a fine-tooth comb under good lighting. Adult lice are about 2–3 mm long, grayish‑brown, and move quickly. Nits appear as tiny, oval, yellowish or white shells attached firmly to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Second, select an appropriate eradication method. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply according to the package, leave on the hair for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly.
- Prescription agents such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % ivermectin, or oral ivermectin tablets for resistant cases. Use only under medical supervision.
- Physical treatments: a heated comb (minimum 120 °C) or a silicone‑based nit remover applied after a standard shampoo. These methods avoid chemical exposure and work by killing lice on contact.
Third, execute meticulous wet‑combing. After the chosen product has dried, section the hair and run a fine‑tooth nit comb from scalp to tips, wiping the comb after each pass. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for at least ten days to catch newly hatched lice before they mature.
Fourth, address personal items and surroundings:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
Fifth, monitor for recurrence. Examine the scalp daily for the first week after treatment, then weekly for another two weeks. If live lice are detected after a complete treatment cycle, repeat the entire protocol with a different active ingredient to prevent resistance.
Finally, educate all household members about detection signs and preventive hygiene to reduce the likelihood of reinfestation. Consistent application of these steps eliminates the parasites and prevents future outbreaks.