How to get rid of lice at home using products? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo, follow the manufacturer’s timing instructions, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days; then comb the hair with a fine-tooth nit comb to eliminate remaining eggs. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or dry‑clean them to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of lice at home using products? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations at home relies on a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural pediculicides with proper hair treatment and environmental control.
The first step is to select an appropriate over‑the‑counter product. Options include:
- Permethrin‑based lotions (1 % concentration) applied to dry hair, left for the time specified on the label, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin formulations combined with piperonyl butoxide, used similarly to permethrin.
- Dimethicone‑based sprays that coat lice and nits, preventing respiration, applied to damp hair and left for at least 10 minutes.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea‑tree oil 1 % with a carrier) used as a complementary treatment; effectiveness varies, and skin sensitivity must be monitored.
Application procedure:
- Separate hair into sections of 2–3 cm; this ensures thorough coverage.
- Apply the chosen product according to label instructions, saturating the scalp and hair shaft.
- Cover the head with a plastic cap or towel to maintain moisture and prevent product evaporation.
- After the recommended exposure time, rinse hair with warm water and a mild shampoo.
Nits removal follows the chemical treatment:
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair.
- Comb from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass to avoid re‑depositing eggs.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks, covering the entire life cycle of the parasite.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk:
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C; if washing is impractical, seal items in a plastic bag for 14 days.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Soak hair accessories (combs, brushes, hats) in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for 10 minutes or wipe with a 70 % isopropyl alcohol solution.
Monitoring and follow‑up:
- Inspect the scalp every 3–4 days for live lice or viable nits; persistence indicates the need for a second treatment cycle.
- Use a second application of the same product after 7 days, as recommended for most pediculicides, to target newly hatched lice.
- If resistance or allergic reaction occurs, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options such as malathion or ivermectin lotion.
Adhering to the outlined regimen—product selection, precise application, diligent nit removal, and thorough environmental cleaning—achieves complete eradication of head‑lice infestations without professional intervention.