How to treat hair mites on the scalp? - briefly
Apply a medicated shampoo with permethrin, tea‑tree oil, or sulfur, then comb the hair thoroughly to eliminate the mites and their eggs. Repeat the regimen after seven days and maintain clean bedding and personal hygiene to prevent recurrence.
How to treat hair mites on the scalp? - in detail
Scalp mite infestation presents with itching, redness, and visible small moving specks among hair shafts. Diagnosis relies on visual inspection, microscopic examination of plucked hairs, or dermatoscopic evaluation. Confirmed cases require a systematic eradication plan that addresses the parasites on the scalp, on personal items, and in the surrounding environment.
Effective management begins with thorough cleansing. Wash the scalp with a medicated shampoo containing 1 % permethrin or 10 % benzyl benzoate. Apply the solution, leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched mites. For severe infestations, a single oral dose of ivermectin (200 µg/kg) can be prescribed; a second dose is often given after 7 days.
Adjunctive measures support the primary therapy:
- Comb hair with a fine-toothed lice comb after each wash to remove dead mites and eggs.
- Launder all bedding, towels, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; store unused items in sealed plastic bags for at least two weeks.
- Avoid sharing personal grooming tools until the infestation is cleared.
Re‑evaluation after two weeks determines treatment success. Persistent symptoms warrant a repeat of topical application or escalation to a second oral ivermectin dose. Continuous monitoring for at least one month prevents recurrence.