I can't get rid of lice, what should I do? - briefly
Use a recommended lice‑killing shampoo or lotion, follow the instructions precisely, then comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed comb and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days; simultaneously launder bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.Use a recommended lice‑killing shampoo or lotion, follow the instructions precisely, then comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed comb and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days; simultaneously launder bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.
I can't get rid of lice, what should I do? - in detail
Lice infestations persist when eggs (nits) remain attached to hair shafts and adult insects survive after initial treatment. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that combines proper product use, thorough combing, and environmental sanitation.
First, confirm the presence of live lice and viable nits. Use a fine-toothed lice comb on dry, well‑lit hair, sectioning strands from scalp to tip. Move the comb slowly; a live insect will be visible, and a viable nit appears as a tiny, oval shell cemented close to the scalp.
Second, select an appropriate pediculicide. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter 1% permethrin – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- 0.5% malathion – for resistant cases; follow manufacturer’s timing instructions.
- Prescription ivermectin lotion – single application, useful when resistance is documented.
- Non‑chemical dimethicone – suffocates lice without neurotoxic action; useful for sensitive skin.
Apply the chosen product exactly as directed: cover hair and scalp, avoid contact with eyes, and wash hands afterward. Do not reuse the same bottle for multiple treatments unless the label permits.
Third, perform mechanical removal:
- After the chemical treatment dries, comb hair with a nit‑comb from scalp outward, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for a full week, ensuring all nits are extracted.
- For each session, divide hair into small sections to maximize coverage.
Fourth, address personal items and the environment:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed animals) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the lifespan of a louse.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or headphones until the infestation is cleared.
Fifth, monitor for recurrence. Examine the scalp daily for new live insects. If live lice appear after the second week, repeat the entire regimen with a different active ingredient to overcome possible resistance.
Finally, educate all contacts. Anyone with close head contact should undergo the same inspection and treatment protocol to prevent re‑infestation.