How to treat lice that have appeared on the head? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide such as 1 % permethrin shampoo or lotion, following the product’s instructions for contact time. After rinsing, comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to extract eggs and repeat the treatment in 7–10 days to eradicate any remaining lice.
How to treat lice that have appeared on the head? - in detail
Head lice infestations require prompt, methodical action to eliminate the parasites and prevent re‑infestation.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits attached close to the scalp. Live lice move quickly, while nits are oval, white‑to‑yellow, and firmly cemented to hair shafts within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Effective chemical control relies on pediculicidal products containing either permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide. Apply the lotion or shampoo according to the manufacturer’s instructions: spread over damp hair, leave for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant populations, a prescription‑only agent such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin (0.5 % lotion) may be required; these should be used under medical supervision.
Non‑chemical measures complement medication:
- Comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb, moving from scalp outward; repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 48 hours.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray nits.
A second application of the chosen pediculicide is essential 7–10 days after the first, targeting newly hatched lice that survived the initial treatment.
Monitor the scalp daily for at least three weeks. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapy or resistance testing.
Maintain preventive habits: discourage head‑to‑head contact, avoid sharing personal items, and perform routine checks in environments where infestation rates are high (schools, camps). Consistent adherence to the outlined protocol eliminates the infestation and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.