I found a louse in my hair, what should I do?

I found a louse in my hair, what should I do? - briefly

Comb out the louse and any attached nits with a fine‑tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and apply an approved pediculicide if the infestation continues.

I found a louse in my hair, what should I do? - in detail

Finding a live head‑lice requires immediate action to eliminate the insect and prevent spread. Follow these steps:

• Confirm the infestation
  Examine the scalp with a fine‑tooth comb on a bright background. Look for live insects about 2–3 mm long, their oval nits attached to hair shafts within 1 cm of the scalp, and any small dark specks that may be feces.

• Remove the insects

  1. Wet the hair thoroughly; moisture makes lice easier to grasp.
  2. Apply a lice‑comb, starting at the scalp and pulling the comb down to the ends.
  3. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and repeat every 5 minutes for at least 30 minutes to catch newly hatched lice.
  4. Collect the removed insects in a container of water to verify elimination.

• Treat the scalp

  • Use an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl‑butoxide. Follow the package instructions precisely, leaving the product on the hair for the recommended duration before rinsing.
  • For resistant cases, consider a prescription‑only product such as ivermectin lotion or malathion 0.5 % applied by a healthcare professional.

• Clean personal items and environment

  • Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
  • Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse off a host.
  • Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.

• Prevent re‑infestation

  • Advise all close contacts to inspect their hair and repeat the combing procedure.
  • Avoid sharing combs, hats, scarves, helmets, or pillows.
  • Encourage regular head‑checking, especially in school or daycare settings where transmission is common.

• When to seek professional help

  • Persistent lice after two treatment cycles.
  • Severe itching, secondary skin infection, or allergic reaction to treatment.
  • Uncertainty about correct identification or removal technique.

Executing these measures promptly eliminates the current problem and minimizes the risk of further spread.