I have lice, what should I do? - briefly
Use a medicated shampoo or lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin, apply according to the product instructions, then comb out nits with a fine-tooth nit comb; repeat treatment in 7‑10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
I have lice, what should I do? - in detail
Discovering head‑lice requires immediate action. Begin by confirming the infestation: examine the scalp under bright light, using a fine‑tooth comb to separate hair. Live insects appear as grayish‑white insects about the size of a sesame seed; their eggs (nits) cling tightly to hair shafts near the scalp.
Next, treat the hair with an approved pediculicide. Follow the product label precisely—apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. After the first treatment, wait seven to ten days before applying a second dose to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
While the chemical treatment works, remove residual nits manually. Use a metal nit‑comb, moving from the scalp outward in short sections. Comb each section several times, wiping the comb on a white paper towel to see captured eggs. Repeat this process daily for at least ten days.
Clean personal items to prevent re‑infestation:
- Wash bedding, towels, and clothing used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, hair accessories, or headphones until the infestation is fully resolved.
Monitor the scalp for a week after the final treatment. If live lice persist, consult a healthcare professional for alternative medication or a prescription‑strength option. Continuous checking and thorough cleaning of the environment are essential to ensure complete eradication.