Lice and nits: how to properly get rid of them? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide to damp hair, comb thoroughly with a fine-tooth nit comb, then launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water; repeat the process after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly emerged lice. Maintain regular checks and avoid sharing hair accessories to prevent reinfestation.
Lice and nits: how to properly get rid of them? - in detail
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and their eggs, nits, thrive in warm, humid environments and spread through direct head-to-head contact or shared personal items. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, thorough cleaning of personal belongings, and regular monitoring.
The first step is to select an appropriate pediculicide. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Pyrethrin‑based shampoo – applied to wet hair, left for 5 minutes; repeat after 9 days.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes; repeat after 7 days.
- Dimethicone 4 % lotion – suffocates lice and nits; left for 8 hours, then washed out; repeat after 7 days.
When using any product, follow the label instructions precisely, including dosage, exposure time, and safety warnings for children under two years or individuals with scalp conditions.
After treatment, remove residual nits mechanically:
- Part hair into 1‑inch sections.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, pulling from scalp outward.
- Rinse comb frequently in hot water to avoid re‑infestation.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk:
- Wash all recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items (hats, hairbrushes) in airtight plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
Follow‑up inspection is essential. Examine the scalp and hair 24 hours after the initial treatment, then again at day 7, day 14, and day 21. Absence of live lice and viable nits confirms successful eradication. If live insects persist, repeat the chosen pediculicide or switch to an alternative class to address potential resistance.
Prevention strategies include:
- Avoiding head‑to‑head contact during play.
- Not sharing combs, hats, helmets, or hair accessories.
- Regularly inspecting children’s hair, especially after group activities.
Adhering to this comprehensive protocol eliminates active infestations and minimizes recurrence.