How to get rid of lice on a person? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved lice treatment (shampoo, lotion, or mousse) according to the product instructions, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to eliminate nits; repeat the application after 7–10 days and launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water.
How to get rid of lice on a person? - in detail
Lice infestations require prompt removal to stop reproduction and prevent spread. The adult female lays up to eight eggs per day, each hatching in about seven days; without treatment, the population can double within a week.
Immediate actions
- Separate the affected individual from others to limit contact.
- Comb hair with a fine-toothed lice comb while the hair is damp; remove each visible nymph and adult.
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any remaining insects.
Chemical treatments
- Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after seven days.
- Pyrethrin combined with piperonyl butoxide, applied similarly; follow manufacturer’s repeat schedule.
- Prescription options include malathion 0.5 % lotion, ivermectin oral tablets (200 µg/kg single dose), or spinosad 0.9 % lotion; each requires a second dose after seven days.
Non‑chemical options
- Dimethicone‑based products coat lice, preventing breathing; apply according to label, typically a single treatment.
- Wet combing with a silicone‑based conditioner, performed daily for ten days, can eradicate infestations without insecticides.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea‑tree, neem) lack consistent evidence; they may be used adjunctively but should not replace proven methods.
Environmental control
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Store infrequently used items in sealed containers for at least two weeks.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect hair 24 hours after the first treatment; remove any live insects or nits with a comb.
- Conduct a second treatment on day 7 to eliminate newly hatched lice.
- Perform weekly checks for four weeks to confirm eradication.
Prevention
- Encourage regular head inspections, especially in school settings.
- Maintain personal items as individual property; discourage head‑to‑head contact during play.
- Educate caregivers about early detection and proper treatment protocols.
By adhering to the outlined steps—prompt mechanical removal, appropriate topical or oral therapy, thorough environmental sanitation, and diligent follow‑up—infestations can be eliminated efficiently and recurrence minimized.