How to quickly get rid of lice? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo with 1 % permethrin, leave it on the scalp for the instructed duration, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a fine‑toothed nit comb, wash bedding and clothing in hot water, and repeat the process after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched lice.
How to quickly get rid of lice? - in detail
Eliminating head lice promptly requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment, thorough decontamination of personal items, and preventive measures to avoid reinfestation.
The first step is accurate identification. Examine the scalp and hair under bright light, using a fine-to‑tooth comb to separate strands. Look for live insects about 2–3 mm long and their oval, translucent eggs (nits) attached close to the hair shaft.
Once infestation is confirmed, apply an approved pediculicide according to the product’s instructions. Commonly recommended options include:
- 1 % permethrin lotion, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- 0.5 % malathion solution, applied to damp hair, left for 8–12 hours before washing.
- Dimethicone‑based products, which suffocate insects without neurotoxic action.
Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched lice that survived the initial application. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb after each treatment session to remove attached eggs and dead insects; combing should continue for at least two weeks.
Simultaneously, decontaminate the environment:
- Wash bedding, clothing, 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.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters promptly.
Natural alternatives may complement chemical treatment but should not replace it in severe cases. Options include:
- 20 % tea‑tree oil mixed with a carrier oil, applied to the scalp for 30 minutes before washing.
- 1 % neem oil solution, sprayed onto hair and left for 2 hours.
- Repeated hot water rinses (≥ 50 °C) to destabilize lice attachment.
Prevention focuses on minimizing head‑to‑head contact and avoiding shared personal items. Encourage regular hair inspections in schools and childcare settings, and educate caregivers about early detection signs.
Adhering to the outlined protocol—prompt chemical treatment, meticulous combing, thorough environmental sanitation, and vigilant prevention—ensures rapid eradication of head lice and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.