How to remove nits and lice? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved lice medication, then use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair to extract live insects and eggs. Repeat the treatment and combing after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How to remove nits and lice? - in detail
Head lice infestations begin with adult insects laying eggs (nits) close to the scalp. Eggs hatch in about a week, and each adult can lay up to 10 eggs per day. Prompt removal stops reproduction and prevents spread.
Detection and preparation
- Examine hair under bright light, parting strands to locate live insects and attached eggs.
- Separate hair into sections using clips; work from the nape upward.
- Gather a fine-toothed lice comb, a bowl of warm water mixed with a small amount of conditioner, and disposable gloves.
Chemical treatments
- Apply a pediculicide containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% malathion according to label instructions.
- Leave the product on the scalp for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly.
- Repeat the application after 7–10 days to target newly hatched lice that survived the first dose.
Manual removal
- After washing, dip the comb in the water‑conditioner mixture.
- Starting at the base of a hair section, pull the comb through to the tips in a single, steady motion.
- Wipe the comb on a paper towel after each pass; discard any collected nits.
- Continue combing until the entire head is processed; repeat the combing session every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Environmental decontamination
- Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags promptly.
Follow‑up monitoring
- Conduct visual inspections twice weekly for four weeks.
- If live insects reappear after the second chemical treatment, consider a second‑line product such as a 0.05% ivermectin lotion, following medical guidance.
Adhering to the outlined protocol—accurate detection, appropriate chemical or manual eradication, thorough cleaning of personal items, and diligent re‑inspection—eliminates head lice and their eggs efficiently.