How to quickly get rid of lice and nits? - briefly
Apply a 1% permethrin (or pyrethrin) shampoo to clean, damp hair, leave it on for the recommended time, then remove all lice and nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb; repeat the treatment in 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects. Use a hot‑wash cycle for bedding and clothing, and keep personal items separate during the process.
How to quickly get rid of lice and nits? - in detail
Eliminate head lice and their eggs promptly by following a systematic approach.
First, confirm the infestation. Examine the scalp under bright light, using a fine-tooth comb to separate strands. Live insects appear as small, grayish bodies about the size of a sesame seed; nits cling tightly to hair shafts near the scalp and are oval, yellow‑white, and difficult to dislodge.
Second, choose an effective treatment. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter insecticides (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based products). Apply according to label directions, ensuring thorough coverage from scalp to hair tips. Leave the product on for the specified time, then rinse.
- Prescription medications (malathion 0.5 %, ivermectin lotion, or benzyl alcohol). These are reserved for resistant cases and require a medical prescription.
- Non‑chemical methods:
- Wet combing: Soak hair with conditioner, then comb with a fine‑tooth nit comb every 3–4 days for two weeks. This physically removes both insects and eggs.
- Heat treatment: Use a specialized lice‑removing device that emits controlled heat (45–50 °C) for a few minutes per section; heat kills lice and nits without chemicals.
Third, repeat the treatment. Because eggs hatch within 7–10 days, a second application of the chosen product or another round of wet combing is necessary 9–10 days after the first to eradicate newly emerged lice.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items and the environment:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (hats, hair accessories) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, headgear, or helmets until the infestation is fully resolved.
Fifth, prevent recurrence. Advise regular inspection of hair, especially after sleepovers or school activities. Encourage the use of protective hair coverings during group events and educate children on avoiding head‑to‑head contact.
By adhering to these steps—accurate detection, appropriate treatment, timely repeat application, thorough environmental cleaning, and preventive measures—head lice and their eggs can be eradicated swiftly and sustainably.