How to treat fleas on a person’s head? - briefly
Apply a medicated shampoo containing pyrethrin or permethrin, rinse thoroughly, and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed flea comb. Repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days and launder bedding in hot water to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How to treat fleas on a person’s head? - in detail
Flea infestation on the scalp requires immediate mechanical removal, topical therapy, and environmental decontamination.
Mechanical removal involves thorough combing with a fine-toothed lice comb. The comb should be passed over damp hair from the scalp outward, repeated every 15 minutes for two hours, then twice daily for three days. This process dislodges adult fleas, nymphs, and eggs attached to hair shafts.
Topical agents suitable for scalp application include permethrin 1 % lotion, dimethicone 4 % cream, or malathion 0.5 % solution. Apply according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring complete coverage of the hair and scalp, leave the product for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched insects.
Oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg) may relieve itching, while a short course of oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg, single dose) can be considered for severe cases under medical supervision.
Environmental decontamination steps:
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle interiors; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve remaining fleas.
Preventive measures:
- Maintain regular hair hygiene with shampooing at least twice weekly.
- Avoid direct contact with infested animals; use veterinary flea control on pets.
- Inspect hair after outdoor activities in flea‑prone areas; perform prompt combing if any insects are observed.
Prompt execution of these steps eliminates the infestation, alleviates discomfort, and reduces the risk of secondary skin infection.