How to treat lice in adults? - briefly
Effective treatment uses a pediculicide shampoo or lotion—commonly permethrin or pyrethrin—applied as directed and followed by meticulous combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Repeat the application after 7–10 days and launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat lice in adults? - in detail
Adult head‑lice infestations require a systematic approach that combines medication, mechanical removal, and environmental measures. Accurate identification of live nits and adult insects confirms the need for treatment and prevents unnecessary intervention.
The first step is to select an appropriate pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter preparations containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide are effective when applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed. For resistant cases, a prescription‑only 0.5 % malathion lotion or a 0.1 % ivermectin shampoo may be used, following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding repeat applications after seven days.
If topical agents are unsuitable, oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) can be administered as a single dose, with a second dose after seven days to target newly hatched lice. Oral options should be prescribed after confirming no contraindications, such as pregnancy or certain hepatic conditions.
Mechanical removal enhances chemical treatment. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, starting at the scalp and pulling toward the ends. Process each section of hair repeatedly for at least five minutes, then repeat the combing after 24 hours and again after seven days. This practice eliminates surviving nits and reduces reinfestation risk.
Environmental control limits re‑exposure. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove fallen insects and nits.
Follow‑up assessment should occur 10–14 days after initial treatment. Examine the scalp for live lice or viable nits; if any are present, repeat the chosen pediculicide according to the product’s schedule. Persistent infestation after two treatment cycles warrants consultation with a healthcare professional for possible alternative therapies or investigation of resistance.
Summary of actions
- Choose a suitable topical pediculicide (permethrin, malathion, ivermectin shampoo).
- Consider oral ivermectin for resistant or contraindicated cases.
- Perform thorough nit combing immediately after medication and at 24 hours and seven days.
- Launder or isolate personal items; vacuum living areas.
- Re‑examine after two weeks; repeat treatment if necessary.
Adhering to this protocol maximizes eradication success and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence in adult patients.