How to treat lice on hair? - briefly
«Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin pediculicide shampoo, leave on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly». «After treatment, comb hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, repeat the application in 7‑10 days, and launder clothing and bedding in hot water».
How to treat lice on hair? - in detail
Effective management of head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach that combines immediate removal, appropriate medication, and environmental control.
The first step is to confirm the presence of live lice and viable nits. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, scanning sections from scalp to tip. Live insects move quickly; nits appear as oval, cemented shells attached close to the scalp.
Manual removal:
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner to loosen the glue.
- Run a lice comb from the root outward, wiping the comb blade after each pass.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.
Chemical treatments:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are first‑line options. Apply according to the product label, ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair shaft.
- For resistant cases, 0.05 % malathion or 0.2 % spinosad may be prescribed. Follow professional guidance to avoid toxicity.
- After the recommended exposure period, rinse hair and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any survivors.
Natural alternatives:
- Dimethicone‑based lotions suffocate lice without neurotoxic effects. Apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then comb out.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea‑tree, lavender, neem) have limited evidence; they may be used adjunctively but should not replace proven agents.
Environmental measures:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove fallen nits.
Preventive practices:
- Encourage regular head‑comb inspections in schools and families.
- Avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones.
- Keep hair short or tied back to reduce contact opportunities.
Monitoring:
- Conduct a follow‑up examination 1 week after treatment to verify the absence of live lice.
- If live insects persist, repeat the chemical or silicone regimen and reassess for resistance.
By integrating meticulous combing, validated medicaments, and strict hygiene, the infestation can be eradicated while minimizing re‑infestation risk.