If you have lice, how to remove them? - briefly
The recommended procedure involves applying an FDA‑approved pediculicide, then meticulously combing the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, and repeating the treatment after seven days to eliminate any newly hatched eggs. All clothing, bedding, and personal items should be washed in hot water or sealed in airtight containers for at least two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
If you have lice, how to remove them? - in detail
When a lice infestation is present, a systematic approach ensures complete eradication.
The first step is confirmation. Examine the scalp and hair under bright light, using a fine‑tooth lice comb. Separate sections, pulling hair taut, and run the comb from scalp to tip. Any live insects or viable nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp indicate active infestation.
The second step involves treatment selection. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter (OTC) pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply according to label instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of dry hair, then rinse after the recommended time.
- Prescription‑only agents such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.025 % ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol lotion. These require a medical prescription and may be preferred for resistant cases.
- Mechanical removal using a fine‑tooth comb (often called a “nit comb”) after applying a conditioning agent to reduce hair friction. This method eliminates both insects and eggs without chemicals.
- Non‑chemical alternatives, for example, dimethicone‑based products that coat and suffocate lice, or essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea tree oil) used as adjuncts, though efficacy varies.
The third step is execution. After applying the chosen pediculicide, allow the product to remain on the hair for the specified duration. Rinse thoroughly, then comb the hair with a nit comb while still damp. Remove each captured nymph or nits and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Repeat the combing process at least twice, spaced 7–10 days, to capture any newly hatched lice.
The fourth step addresses the environment. Wash all recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to eliminate stray insects.
The final step involves monitoring. Perform weekly scalp inspections for four weeks. If live lice reappear, repeat the treatment cycle or consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapy.
Adhering to these stages—confirmation, appropriate treatment selection, precise application, environmental decontamination, and vigilant follow‑up—provides a comprehensive solution to eliminate head‑lice infestations.