How to treat after having lice? - briefly
Apply a permethrin‑ or pyrethrin‑based shampoo as directed, then comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to ensure complete eradication.
How to treat after having lice? - in detail
Treat the infestation promptly with an FDA‑approved pediculicide, such as a 1 % permethrin lotion or a 0.5 % malathion cream. Apply according to the product label: coat dry hair, leave for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, consider a prescription‑only agent like spinosad or ivermectin, administered under medical supervision.
After chemical treatment, remove surviving nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Section the hair, comb from scalp to tip, wiping the comb on a white paper after each pass to verify captured material. Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice before they mature.
Sanitize personal items that may harbor eggs. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the preceding 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse egg.
Treat close contacts simultaneously. Examine family members, classmates, or roommates; apply the same regimen to anyone with live insects or nits within 0.5 cm of the scalp. Avoid sharing combs, hats, or headphones until the infestation clears.
Monitor progress by inspecting the scalp daily. Absence of live insects for seven consecutive days indicates successful eradication. If live lice reappear after treatment, repeat the entire protocol with a different active ingredient to address possible resistance.
Maintain a clean environment to prevent recurrence. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, clean hairbrushes in hot, soapy water, and discourage head‑to‑head contact in communal settings. Educate all involved parties on early detection signs to enable rapid response.