How to remove lice at home? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo according to the label, rinse, then comb the damp hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb while using conditioner to loosen the insects; repeat the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat.
How to remove lice at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
First, isolate the affected individual to prevent immediate spread. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp, conditioned hair. Comb from scalp to tip, cleaning the comb after each pass with hot water and soap. Repeat the process every 24 hours for at least ten days, because newly hatched nymphs emerge after 7–10 days.
Second, apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide formulated with permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin. Follow the product instructions precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, a second application after seven days is advisable.
Third, complement chemical treatment with a suffocation method. Cover hair with a petroleum‑jelly mixture or a silicone‑based oil, leave for 30 minutes, then comb out dead insects. This step reduces the need for repeat chemical applications.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours 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 or placed in a freezer at −20 °C for 24 hours.
Fifth, clean the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats. Discard hair‑brushes, combs, and hair accessories, or soak them in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for 10 minutes.
Finally, monitor the situation. Inspect the scalp daily for live lice or viable nits. If live insects persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options.
By adhering to this protocol—mechanical removal, appropriate topical agents, suffocation tactics, thorough laundering, and environmental sanitation—most household infestations can be resolved without external intervention.