How to remove lice from an adult with long hair? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair, working from scalp to ends in sections, and repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks while applying a pediculicide shampoo according to label directions. Follow with thorough laundering of bedding and clothing to prevent reinfestation.
How to remove lice from an adult with long hair? - in detail
To eradicate head‑lice infestations in an adult with lengthy hair, follow a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatments, thorough combing, and environmental control.
Begin with a pre‑treatment rinse. Apply a normal shampoo, lather, and rinse completely. This removes surface oils that can impede subsequent products.
Select a lice‑killing agent. Options include:
- Prescription‑strength permethrin (1 %) – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Over‑the‑counter dimethicone lotion – coats insects, suffocating them; leave for the time specified on the label.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes; repeat after 7 days to kill newly hatched nymphs.
Apply the chosen product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips. For long hair, part the strands into sections of 2–3 inches, spreading the solution evenly with a spray bottle or applicator bottle.
After the required exposure time, rinse with warm water. Do not use conditioner at this stage, as it can reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
Proceed to mechanical removal:
- Use a fine‑toothed nit‑comb (0.2 mm spacing). Start at the scalp, pulling the comb through each section slowly toward the ends.
- Repeat the combing process at least three times for each section, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass to detect live insects.
- Perform the combing routine every 2–3 days for a total of three sessions; this eliminates any eggs that survived the initial chemical exposure.
Maintain hygiene to prevent re‑infestation:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., hats, hair accessories) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray nits.
If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative medications such as ivermectin or malathion, and verify correct application technique.
Consistent adherence to the outlined steps eliminates the infestation and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.