How to kill lice from the head? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin or a pyrethrin‑based formula, leave it on the scalp for the recommended time, then rinse and comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to kill lice from the head? - in detail
Eliminate head‑lice infestations by following a systematic protocol.
First, confirm the presence of lice and nits. Inspect the scalp under bright light, parting hair in sections as close to the scalp as possible. Live insects move rapidly; nits appear as tiny, oval, firmly attached shells, often near the hair shaft base.
Second, select an appropriate chemical treatment. Over‑the‑counter products contain either permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin combined with a synergist. Apply the lotion or shampoo to dry hair, saturating the scalp and hair shafts, leave for the manufacturer‑specified duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. For resistant infestations, prescribe a higher‑efficacy agent such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin lotion, applied according to medical guidance.
Third, execute mechanical removal. After chemical treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing ≤0.2 mm). Comb hair from scalp to tip in small sections, wiping the comb on a white towel after each pass to visualize removed material. Repeat the combing process daily for ten days to capture newly hatched lice before they mature.
Fourth, repeat the chemical application. A second dose, administered seven days after the initial treatment, eliminates any survivors that hatched after the first exposure.
Fifth, decontaminate personal items. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse egg. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray hairs and nits.
Sixth, prevent re‑infestation. Advise regular head checks for all household members, avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones, and maintain short hair lengths where feasible. Educate children about avoiding head‑to‑head contact during play.
By integrating chemical eradication, diligent combing, thorough environmental sanitation, and preventive measures, the life cycle of the parasite is interrupted, resulting in complete clearance. Continuous monitoring for two weeks after treatment ensures that any residual activity is detected and addressed promptly.