How to get rid of lice on your own at home? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide to the scalp, leave it for the recommended duration, and then meticulously comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water and clean the living area to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of lice on your own at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment of the scalp, thorough cleaning of personal items, and diligent follow‑up.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair, pulling the comb from scalp to tip while inspecting each strand. Live lice move quickly; nits appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white structures attached firmly to the hair shaft within a quarter‑inch of the scalp.
Prepare the hair for treatment:
- Wash with a regular shampoo, rinse, and towel‑dry until damp but not soaking.
- Apply a pediculicide approved for home use according to the label—most contain 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Leave the product on the scalp for the specified time, usually 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly, then immediately perform a wet combing session. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, starting at the roots and moving toward the tips. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and repeat until no live insects are observed. Perform this step at least twice daily for seven days.
If chemical products are undesirable, adopt a non‑chemical protocol:
- Soak hair in warm water (about 40 °C) for 10 minutes.
- Apply a mixture of 2 % dimethicone lotion or a commercial silicone‑based product; leave for 30 minutes.
- Conduct wet combing as described above, repeating every 12 hours for three days, then every 24 hours for the following four days.
Environmental decontamination is essential to prevent reinfestation:
- Seal all clothing, bedding, and towels worn or used in the previous 48 hours in plastic bags for at least 72 hours; lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host.
- Wash washable items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for 20 minutes.
- For non‑washable items, place in a sealed bag for two weeks or expose to direct sunlight for several hours.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
Monitoring after treatment:
- Examine the scalp daily for three weeks. Any new live insects indicate treatment failure or re‑exposure.
- If live lice persist after two full treatment cycles, consider switching to an alternative active ingredient (e.g., 0.05 % malathion) or seek professional evaluation.
Adhering strictly to the outlined regimen eliminates the infestation, minimizes the risk of resistance, and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.