How to get rid of lice nits? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, then comb wet hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb while using conditioner to loosen and remove eggs; repeat the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or dry them on high heat to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of lice nits? - in detail
Eliminating head‑louse eggs requires a systematic approach that combines direct removal, topical agents, and environmental sanitation.
First, confirm the presence of nits by inspecting the scalp under bright light. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair; the conditioner reduces slip and allows the comb to grasp the cemented eggs. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through small sections, wiping the teeth after each pass. Continue until the entire head has been processed, then place collected debris in a sealed container for disposal.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide or ovicide. Products containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide, or dimethicone are effective. Follow the label precisely: apply to dry hair, cover the scalp, leave for the stipulated time, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant infestations, a second treatment after 7–10 days targets any newly hatched lice before they mature.
Third, cleanse personal items. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, the typical survival period for lice eggs. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward.
Fourth, prevent re‑infestation. Advise all close contacts to undergo the same inspection and treatment protocol. Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories. Regularly inspect family members for at least three weeks after the initial clearance.
Summary of actions
- Inspect scalp with a nit comb on damp, conditioned hair.
- Remove each egg mechanically, disposing of it in a sealed container.
- Apply a certified lice‑killing product according to manufacturer instructions; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Launder or isolate all fabrics and clean environments where the host has been.
- Educate household members, enforce non‑sharing of personal hair items, and continue monitoring for three weeks.
Following these steps eliminates existing eggs, kills surviving lice, and minimizes the risk of recurrence.