How to get rid of lice on the body? - briefly
Apply a permethrin‑ or pyrethrin‑based lotion or shampoo to the entire body, leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly; simultaneously launder clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat to prevent re‑infestation. Repeat the treatment after seven days to eradicate any newly hatched lice.
How to get rid of lice on the body? - in detail
Treating a body‑wide infestation of lice requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical agents, thorough cleaning of personal items, and preventive measures to stop re‑infestation.
First, identify the species. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) differ in habitat and treatment. Body lice live in clothing and bedding, while head lice cling to hair shafts. Both can be eliminated with similar principles, but body lice demand attention to garments and linens.
Chemical treatment
- Apply a pediculicide approved for skin contact, such as permethrin 1 % lotion or pyrethrin‑based spray. Follow label instructions precisely: cover affected skin, leave the product for the recommended duration (usually 10 – 12 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- For resistant infestations, consider a prescription‑only agent like malathion 0.5 % lotion or ivermectin cream. Use only under medical supervision, as systemic absorption can occur.
- After the initial application, repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nymphs that survived the first dose.
Physical removal
- Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills lice and their eggs.
- For items that cannot withstand high temperatures, seal them in a plastic bag for a minimum of 72 hours; lice cannot survive without a blood meal for more than 48 hours.
- Use a fine‑toothed comb on exposed skin (e.g., scalp, underarms) to extract live insects and nits. Comb daily for a week, cleaning the comb after each pass.
Environmental control
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle interiors to remove detached lice and eggs.
- Disinfect personal items that cannot be laundered (e.g., hairbrushes, jewelry) by soaking in isopropyl alcohol (≥ 70 %) for 10 minutes.
- Replace or treat infested clothing with a long‑lasting insecticidal spray if laundering is impractical.
Preventive actions
- Maintain personal hygiene; shower daily and change into clean clothes after exposure to crowded environments.
- Store unused clothing in sealed containers to avoid accidental infestation.
- Conduct regular inspections of family members, especially after travel or contact with known outbreaks.
Medical follow‑up
- Seek professional evaluation if symptoms persist after two treatment cycles, if severe itching leads to skin infection, or if systemic signs such as fever appear. A physician may prescribe oral ivermectin or alternative regimens.
By applying a pediculicide, ensuring thermal or sealed‑environment destruction of all contaminated fabrics, and instituting rigorous hygiene practices, a comprehensive eradication of lice from the body can be achieved.