How to quickly get rid of lice and nits at home? - briefly
«Apply a hot oil (e.g., olive oil) or a 10 % vinegar solution to the scalp, then comb meticulously with a fine‑toothed nit comb, washing all bedding and clothing in water above 60 °C». «Repeat the combing and washing regimen every 24 hours for three consecutive days to eradicate any newly hatched lice and remaining nits».
How to quickly get rid of lice and nits at home? - in detail
Effective removal of head lice and their eggs can be achieved with a systematic approach that combines mechanical and chemical methods. The process begins with preparation, continues with treatment, and ends with preventive measures to avoid reinfestation.
Preparation
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal unwashable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve any surviving insects.
- Comb through hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to detach loose nits before applying any product.
Chemical treatment
- Choose a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
- Apply the solution to dry hair, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips.
- Leave the product on for the recommended duration, typically 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Mechanical removal
- While hair remains damp, use a nit comb at 4‑mm intervals, starting at the scalp and pulling toward the ends.
- Repeat the combing process every 2‑3 days for a total of three sessions, covering the entire head each time.
Secondary measures
- Apply a natural oil (e.g., tea‑tree or coconut oil) to the scalp after each combing session; the oil suffocates remaining lice and loosens nits.
- Avoid the use of hair conditioners or styling products that may create a barrier against the pediculicide.
Follow‑up
- Inspect the scalp daily for live insects or viable nits.
- Continue washing personal items weekly for the next month.
Preventive actions
- Educate all household members about avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing combs, hats, or pillows.
- Encourage regular scalp examinations, especially after group activities such as school trips or sports camps.
By adhering to this protocol, rapid eradication of lice and their eggs can be accomplished without professional intervention. The combination of thorough cleaning, appropriate medication, and diligent combing ensures complete elimination and reduces the risk of recurrence.