How to get rid of nits and lice? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide or a suitable oil (e.g., tea‑tree or olive oil) to damp hair, then comb with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits; wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥130 °F). Repeat the treatment and combing every 7–10 days for two weeks to ensure all hatchlings are eliminated.
How to get rid of nits and lice? - in detail
Eliminating lice and their eggs requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, environmental sanitation, and preventive measures.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Use a fine‑toothed comb on damp hair, section by section, to locate live insects and attached eggs. Confirm infestation before proceeding.
Apply an approved pediculicide according to the product label. Choose a formulation containing 1 % permethrin, 0 % pyrethrin, or 0.5 % malathion for resistant cases. Follow these guidelines:
- Apply to dry hair, then wet to saturate the scalp and shafts.
- Leave the product on for the specified duration (usually 10 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Repeat the application after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nits.
After chemical treatment, remove residual eggs manually. Use a metal nit comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm. Process each section as follows:
- Start at the scalp, pull the comb through to the ends.
- Wipe the comb on a white tissue after each pass to reveal captured eggs.
- Dispose of collected material in a sealed bag.
- Repeat until no eggs are visible after several passes.
Wash all personal items that have contacted the head:
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair accessories, hats, scarves – launder at ≥ 60 °C or seal in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Bedding, pillowcases, towels – wash at ≥ 60 °C or dry‑clean.
- Non‑washable items (e.g., plush toys) – place in a freezer at –18 °C for 24 hours.
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats to remove stray insects. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard.
Implement preventive actions to avoid recurrence:
- Advise all household members to avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or helmets.
- Encourage regular head inspections, especially after school or camp attendance.
- Maintain short hair or keep long hair tied back to reduce hiding spaces.
- Use a preventive lice‑repellent spray containing dimethicone on a weekly basis if risk is high.
Monitor the situation for four weeks. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options such as ivermectin or benzyl alcohol lotion.