How to remove lice in an adult? - briefly
Use a medicated shampoo or lotion containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% malathion, apply to damp hair, leave for the recommended time, then rinse and comb out nits with a fine-toothed nit comb; repeat the treatment in 7–10 days and wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How to remove lice in an adult? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations in adults requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, thorough hygiene practices, and follow‑up inspections.
First, select an appropriate pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter options contain 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin; prescription products may include 0.1 % malathion, ivermectin lotion, or benzyl alcohol. Apply the product according to the label: saturate dry hair, leave the recommended exposure time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, a second‑generation insecticide such as spinosad (0.9 %) can be used after confirming no allergy.
Second, complement chemical treatment with a mechanical removal method. Use a fine‑tooth lice comb on wet, conditioned hair. Starting at the scalp, draw the comb through each section from root to tip, wiping the teeth with a disposable tissue after each pass. Repeat the combing process for at least 10 minutes, covering the entire scalp twice. This reduces live insects and nits that survived the pediculicide.
Third, implement environmental controls. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, as lice cannot survive without a host for longer than that period. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray hairs that may harbor eggs.
Fourth, schedule a repeat treatment. A second application of the chosen pediculicide is required 7–10 days after the initial dose to eliminate newly hatched lice before they mature. Perform a thorough combing session 24 hours after the repeat dose to verify eradication.
Fifth, monitor for reinfestation. Inspect the scalp daily for the first week, then every other day for the next two weeks. Look for live insects or viable nits within 1 mm of the scalp. If any are found, repeat the combing and consider a third treatment cycle.
Finally, advise on preventive measures. Avoid sharing combs, hats, or pillows. Encourage regular head‑checking after close contact with potentially infested individuals. Maintaining short hair reduces the habitat for lice and simplifies future inspections.
By adhering to this protocol—appropriate medication, meticulous combing, environmental sanitation, timed re‑treatment, and vigilant follow‑up—adults can achieve complete elimination of head‑lice infestations.