How to remove lice and nits? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair after applying a pediculicide or a vinegar‑based solution, combing daily for 2–3 days and then every other day for two weeks. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for at least two weeks to block re‑infestation.
How to remove lice and nits? - in detail
Head lice infestations are confirmed by visual inspection of the scalp and hair. Adult insects appear as small, grayish bodies moving quickly, while their eggs cling tightly to hair shafts near the scalp and look like tiny, white, oval shells.
Effective eradication requires a systematic approach. Gather a fine-toothed lice comb, a suitable lice treatment product (over‑the‑counter permethrin 1 % lotion, dimethicone‑based cream, or a prescription option), disposable gloves, a white towel, and containers for discarded material. Wash the affected person’s clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
Chemical treatment is applied according to the product label: apply to dry hair, cover the scalp completely, leave for the specified time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse. A second application is required after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice that survived the first round.
Manual removal proceeds as follows:
- Dampen hair with conditioner or a water‑based spray to reduce tangling.
- Starting at the scalp, run the lice comb through a 1‑inch section of hair, moving from root to tip in a slow, steady motion.
- Wipe the comb on a white towel after each pass to expose any captured insects or eggs.
- Repeat the process for the entire head, covering all sections, including behind the ears and at the nape.
- Dispose of collected lice and nits in a sealed container; do not crush them on the scalp.
- Perform combing daily for the first week, then every other day for an additional week.
After treatment, clean personal items and the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; wash hair accessories in hot water. Inspect all household members; treat anyone who shows signs of infestation.
Preventive measures include avoiding head‑to‑head contact during play, not sharing hats, combs, or hair accessories, and regularly checking children’s hair, especially after school or camp activities. Routine use of a lice‑detecting comb once a week can identify re‑infestations early, allowing prompt intervention.