How to remove lice if shampoo doesn't work? - briefly
Apply a petroleum‑based product (e.g., mineral oil) to damp hair, then comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb, repeating the process daily for several days. If this fails, use a prescription topical (such as permethrin or ivermectin) or seek professional heat‑based treatment.
How to remove lice if shampoo doesn't work? - in detail
When a standard pediculicide shampoo does not eliminate an infestation, a multi‑step approach is required. Begin with thorough mechanical removal. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, starting at the scalp and pulling the comb slowly toward the ends. Comb each section several times, rinsing the comb after each pass. Repeat the process daily for at least ten days, because nits can hatch after eight days and become mobile again.
If manual removal proves insufficient, consider alternative topical agents. Over‑the‑counter products containing dimethicone create a coating that suffocates lice and their eggs without the resistance issues seen with traditional insecticides. Apply according to the label, leave the product on for the recommended duration, then rinse and repeat after seven days.
Prescription‑strength options are available when resistance is confirmed. Benzyl alcohol lotion, ivermectin lotion, and malathion cream are approved for resistant cases. These treatments require a single application, followed by a second dose after nine to ten days to target newly emerged insects. A medical professional should prescribe them, and any contraindications must be reviewed.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse off the host. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
For persistent cases, combine methods: apply a dimethicone‑based product, perform daily nit combing, and maintain strict household hygiene. Document progress, noting any surviving nits after each combing session, and adjust the schedule accordingly. If live lice remain after two weeks of combined therapy, seek medical evaluation for possible secondary infection or alternative systemic therapy.