How to remove all lice? - briefly
Apply a WHO‑approved pediculicide to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb every 24 hours for ten days while laundering bedding and clothing in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How to remove all lice? - in detail
Head lice infestations require a systematic approach to eradicate the insects and prevent re‑infestation. The process begins with accurate identification, proceeds through targeted treatment, includes environmental decontamination, and ends with monitoring for recurrence.
Identification
- Examine the scalp under bright light.
- Look for live lice, nymphs, or viable eggs (nits) attached close to the hair shaft.
- Use a fine‑toothed comb to separate strands and reveal hidden parasites.
Chemical treatment
- Choose a pediculicide approved for the age group.
- Apply the product to dry hair, following the label’s timing precisely.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the application after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice before they reproduce.
Manual removal
- After the first chemical application, wet the hair with a conditioner to loosen nits.
- Use a metal nit comb, moving from scalp outward in 1‑cm sections.
- Dispose of each combed-out nit in a sealed container.
- Repeat the combing session every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Alternative options
- Dimethicone‑based lotions suffocate lice without neurotoxic chemicals.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea tree, lavender) may aid in detaching nits but should be used with caution on children.
Environmental decontamination
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the past 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up
- Conduct a visual inspection 14 days after the initial treatment.
- Perform a final nit combing session to confirm absence of eggs.
- Educate household members about avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing personal items.
Adhering to these steps eliminates the infestation and minimizes the likelihood of resurgence.