How to treat a person for lice? - briefly
Use an FDA‑approved pediculicide (shampoo, lotion, or spray) and follow the product’s instructions, then repeat the application after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits. After treatment, comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb and launder bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.
How to treat a person for lice? - in detail
Effective management of a lice infestation in a human host requires a systematic approach that combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures.
The first step is to select an appropriate pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter options contain permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide; prescription products include malathion (0.5 %) or spinosad (0.9 %). Apply the medication according to the label: dampen hair, distribute the solution evenly, leave for the recommended exposure time, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the treatment after seven days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial application.
Mechanical removal supplements chemical treatment. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb through each strand, cleaning the comb after each pass. Perform combing sessions daily for ten days, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and crown region where lice concentrate.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or exposed to a freezer at –20 °C for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove detached nits.
Preventive education reinforces treatment success. Advise the individual to avoid sharing personal items such as hats, hairbrushes, and headphones. Encourage regular inspection of hair, especially after contact with others in close‑quarters settings (schools, camps). Prompt detection and immediate treatment limit spread and minimize the need for repeated chemical interventions.
Summary of actions
- Apply a suitable pediculicide following label directions; repeat after seven days.
- Comb hair daily with a nit comb for ten consecutive days.
- Launder or isolate all potentially contaminated textiles and clean living surfaces.
- Instruct on personal‑item hygiene and routine hair checks.
Adherence to this protocol achieves complete eradication of the parasite and prevents recurrence.