How to treat lice at home? - briefly
Apply an OTC lice shampoo or lotion, follow the instructions precisely, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove live insects and eggs; wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.
How to treat lice at home? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations at home requires a systematic approach that combines direct removal, chemical or natural treatments, and environmental control. Each component addresses the parasite’s life cycle and reduces the risk of reinfestation.
Begin with thorough combing. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on damp, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and work outward, cleaning the comb after each pass with hot water. Repeat the process every 48 hours for at least two weeks, as newly hatched nymphs emerge within this interval.
Select a treatment product. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide. Apply according to the label, leave for the recommended time, then rinse.
- Prescription neurotoxic agents such as malathion (0.5 %) or spinosad (0.9 %) for resistant cases. These require a medical script and strict adherence to dosage.
- Non‑chemical alternatives: dimethicone‑based lotions, tea‑tree oil (5 % concentration), or neem oil. Apply to dry hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then wash out.
After treatment, wash all personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks. Items that cannot be laundered, such as helmets or hairbrushes, should be soaked in hot water for at least 10 minutes or disinfected with a 0.5 % bleach solution.
Inspect the scalp daily for live insects or viable eggs (nits). Nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp indicate active infestation; those farther away are likely dead. Remove any remaining nits with the comb described above.
Maintain preventive measures: discourage head‑to‑head contact, avoid sharing hats, scarves, or hair accessories, and keep hair tied back when in close‑contact environments such as schools or camps.
If symptoms persist after two treatment cycles, or if an allergic reaction to any product occurs, seek professional medical advice promptly.