How to wash hair when having lice? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin shampoo to wet hair, massage for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), rinse completely, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to extract lice and nits. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to wash hair when having lice? - in detail
When a scalp infestation occurs, thorough cleansing combined with targeted treatment is necessary to eliminate the parasites and prevent re‑infestation. The process involves preparation, chemical or natural treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental sanitation.
Preparation
- Separate the affected individual’s hair from any untreated hair to avoid cross‑contamination.
- Gather a fine‑toothed lice comb, a suitable shampoo (medicated or high‑temperature), a clean towel, and disposable gloves.
- Dress the person in loose clothing that can be easily washed afterward.
Treatment application
- Apply a lice‑specific shampoo according to the product label, ensuring complete coverage from scalp to tips.
- Allow the solution to remain for the recommended duration, typically 5–10 minutes, to penetrate the exoskeleton.
- Rinse with warm water (at least 130 °F/54 °C) to kill any remaining nits that are not removed mechanically.
Mechanical removal
- While the hair is still damp, use the fine‑toothed comb to slide from the scalp outward, section by section.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and repeat until no live insects or eggs are visible.
- Perform combing at least twice a day for the next seven days, as newly hatched lice emerge from surviving eggs.
Post‑wash care
- Dry the hair with a clean, high‑heat setting on a hair dryer; heat helps destroy residual eggs.
- Place all used towels, combs, and clothing in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours or wash at 140 °F (60 °C).
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard or wash any bedding or hats that cannot be treated.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect the scalp daily for a week, focusing on the nape and behind the ears.
- If live lice are detected after the second treatment, repeat the chemical wash and combing cycle.
- Consider consulting a healthcare professional if infestation persists despite multiple attempts.
Adhering to these steps maximizes the likelihood of complete eradication and minimizes the risk of recurrence.