How to treat lice? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (shampoo, lotion, or mousse) to the scalp, following the product’s timing guidelines and repeating the dose after 7–10 days. Follow with thorough nit removal using a fine‑tooth comb and wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How to treat lice? - in detail
Effective management of head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach: accurate diagnosis, appropriate therapeutic agents, environmental decontamination, and diligent follow‑up.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits within ¼ inch of the scalp. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair; examine the comb after each pass. Visible adult insects or nymphs confirm infestation; empty shells alone do not indicate active disease.
Second, select a treatment modality. Options include:
- Topical pediculicides (e.g., 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % malathion). Apply to dry hair, leave for the manufacturer‑specified duration, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
- Dimethicone‑based lotions. These silicone oils immobilize insects without neurotoxic effects. Apply as directed, ensuring complete coverage of scalp and hair shafts.
- Oral ivermectin (for resistant cases). Dosage is weight‑based; a single dose is followed by a second dose after 7 days. Prescription required.
- Mechanical removal. Wet‑combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb for 10 minutes daily for 14 days eliminates both lice and eggs without chemicals.
Third, address personal items and surroundings:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., helmets, wigs) in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
Fourth, implement preventive measures to reduce reinfestation:
- Advise regular head‑checking, especially in school settings.
- Recommend avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing of hats, hairbrushes, or headphones.
- Encourage parents to inform schools of confirmed cases to enable coordinated screening.
Finally, schedule a follow‑up examination 2 weeks after initial treatment. Re‑examine hair with a comb; if live insects persist, repeat the chosen therapeutic regimen or switch to an alternative class of pediculicide. Documentation of treatment outcomes supports ongoing monitoring and informs future management decisions.