How to kill lice at home? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion, leave it on the scalp for the recommended time, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb while the hair is still damp. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry them on high heat to eliminate remaining nits.
How to kill lice at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations in a domestic environment requires a combination of direct treatment, thorough cleaning of personal items, and environmental decontamination.
Effective chemical agents include 1 % permethrin lotion, 1 % pyrethrin shampoo, and dimethicone‑based liquids. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and hair shafts. After the recommended exposure time, rinse thoroughly and repeat the application after seven to ten days to target newly hatched nymphs.
Non‑chemical alternatives rely on suffocation or desiccation. A protocol using a high‑temperature hair dryer delivers air at ≥ 130 °C for five minutes, disrupting the exoskeleton of the parasites. Another method employs a silicone‑based oil applied to the scalp, left for thirty minutes, then removed with a fine‑tooth comb.
Personal grooming tools must be processed after each treatment session. Use a nit comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm; comb the hair section by section from scalp to ends, cleaning the comb with hot, soapy water after each pass.
Household textiles demand systematic laundering. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in water ≥ 60 °C, followed by a tumble‑dry cycle on high heat. Items that cannot withstand heat should be sealed in a plastic bag for a minimum of fourteen days, a period sufficient for lice to die without a blood source.
Environmental surfaces benefit from vacuuming and steam cleaning. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor mats, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot water. Steam cleaners set to ≥ 100 °C effectively eradicate any remaining insects on hard surfaces and fabric.
Monitoring continues for four weeks after the initial intervention. Inspect the scalp twice weekly, using a magnifying lens if necessary, and repeat the combing process until no live lice or viable eggs are detected.
Precautions include avoiding excessive exposure to chemical agents, particularly in children under two years old, and ensuring proper ventilation during the use of heated devices. Store all treatments out of reach of children and pets.
By integrating chemical or silicone treatments, meticulous combing, high‑temperature laundering, and comprehensive environmental sanitation, a complete eradication of head‑lice infestations can be achieved within a domestic setting.