How to remove lice from the head and what treatments to use? - briefly
Apply a lice‑killing shampoo containing permethrin 1% or a dimethicone‑based product, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb while it is still wet; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to remove any newly hatched nits.
How to remove lice from the head and what treatments to use? - in detail
Head lice infestations require a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, mechanical removal, and appropriate therapeutic agents.
First, confirm the presence of live nits or adult insects by parting the hair close to the scalp and examining the strands with a fine-tooth comb. Nits appear as oval, tan‑colored structures firmly attached to the hair shaft; live lice move quickly when disturbed.
Mechanical removal:
- Use a metal lice comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart.
- Work on damp hair; apply a conditioner to reduce tangling.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section from root to tip.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to verify captured insects.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Chemical treatments:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7 days.
- Pyrethrin‑based shampoo combined with a piperonyl butoxide synergist, following manufacturer instructions; a second application after 7 days.
- Dimethicone 4 % lotion, a non‑neurotoxic silicone that coats lice and blocks respiration; leave on for 8 hours before washing, repeat after 7 days.
Alternative options:
- Malathion 0.5 % liquid, applied to dry hair, left for 8–12 hours, then shampooed; repeat after 7 days.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion, applied for 10 minutes and rinsed; a second treatment after 7 days.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea tree, neem) may have limited efficacy; use only as adjuncts to proven agents.
Environmental control:
- Wash bedding, hats, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray nits.
Follow‑up:
- Perform a final combing session 7 days after the last treatment to ensure no viable nits remain.
- If live lice persist after two full treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options.
Adhering to this protocol maximizes eradication success while minimizing re‑infestation risk.