How to kill lice quickly at home? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed comb on wet hair treated with a 1% permethrin lotion, repeating the process after 7–10 days to catch newly hatched nits. Follow with a hot‑water wash of bedding, clothing, and personal items, then dry them on high heat.
How to kill lice quickly at home? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice infestations at home requires a combination of immediate action, proper product use, and thorough environmental cleaning.
Begin with the affected person’s hair. Apply a pediculicide shampoo containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrin, or a dimethicone‑based lotion. Follow the label’s timing instructions precisely—typically 10 minutes for permethrin and 5 minutes for dimethicone—then rinse thoroughly. After washing, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet hair, working from the scalp outward in 1‑inch sections. Remove each louse and nits, wipe the comb on a white paper towel to verify capture, and repeat the combing process at least twice daily for seven days.
If chemical treatments are unsuitable, consider a non‑chemical protocol:
- Soak hair in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for 5 minutes; heat kills both adults and eggs.
- Apply a thick layer of olive oil or coconut oil, cover with a shower cap, and leave for 8–12 hours. The occlusive coating suffocates the insects.
- Follow with thorough combing using a nit comb.
Environmental control prevents re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in water ≥130 °F, then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, or place them in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
Monitor progress by inspecting the scalp every 2–3 days. Persistent nits after the second week may indicate resistance; in such cases, switch to a dimethicone product or consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options. Prompt, systematic treatment combined with diligent cleaning eliminates the infestation within a week in most cases.