How to kill louse nits? - briefly
Apply a licensed pediculicide to the scalp, leave it for the recommended duration, rinse thoroughly, and comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove all remaining eggs. Then wash bedding and clothing in hot water (at least 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat to ensure complete eradication.
How to kill louse nits? - in detail
Eliminating lice eggs requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
First, wet the hair thoroughly with warm water and apply a generous amount of a nit‑removing conditioner or a specialized lice‑combing solution. The moisture softens the cement that attaches the eggs to the hair shaft, making them easier to dislodge. Using a fine‑toothed metal comb, start at the scalp and work outward, pulling each section taut and sliding the comb slowly through the hair. After each pass, wipe the comb on a clean tissue and re‑wet the hair to maintain lubrication. Repeat the combing process for at least 15 minutes, then rinse and dry the hair.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide that contains either dimethicone, permethrin (1 %), or pyrethrin. Follow the product instructions precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended exposure time, then rinse. Dimethicone works by coating the egg and suffocating it, while permethrin and pyrethrin disrupt the nervous system of both lice and developing embryos. For maximum efficacy, a second application 7–10 days after the first treatment is essential, as it targets any eggs that may have survived the initial exposure.
Third, treat personal items and the surrounding environment to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Non‑washable items can be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks, depriving the eggs of oxygen. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to remove any residual debris.
Finally, monitor progress by inspecting the hair every two days for the next three weeks. Use the same fine‑toothed comb to check for any remaining eggs or live lice. If any are found, repeat the mechanical removal step and consider a third chemical treatment under medical guidance.
By integrating meticulous combing, appropriate topical agents, and rigorous environmental sanitation, the lifecycle of the parasite can be interrupted, ensuring complete eradication of the eggs.