Lice have appeared – how can they be eliminated?

Lice have appeared – how can they be eliminated? - briefly

Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (shampoo, lotion, or spray) according to the label, allowing the specified contact time and repeating the treatment after 7–10 days. Then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to extract eggs and launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.

Lice have appeared – how can they be eliminated? - in detail

Lice infestations require immediate action to stop spreading and to relieve discomfort. Identification begins with a thorough scalp examination; live insects are about 2–4 mm long, gray‑brown, and move quickly. Nits appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white shells attached firmly to hair shafts within a half‑centimeter of the scalp.

Effective eradication combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures.

1. Chemical treatments

   • Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nits.
   • Dimethicone‑based products coat insects, causing suffocation; useful for individuals with permethrin resistance.
   • Malathion 0.5 % shampoo for resistant cases, applied for 8–12 hours before washing.

2. Mechanical removal

   • Fine‑toothed nit comb used on wet, conditioned hair; comb from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass.
   • Repeat combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to capture any surviving eggs.

3. Natural alternatives

   • 20 % tea‑tree oil mixed with a carrier oil, applied to scalp for 30 minutes, then washed; limited evidence, but may reduce lice numbers.
   • Neem oil spray applied nightly for a week; requires consistent use.

4. Environmental control

   • Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
   • Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to starve insects.
   • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags immediately.

5. Follow‑up

   • Re‑inspect scalp 7 days after initial treatment; retreat if live lice are seen.
   • Continue weekly checks for four weeks to ensure complete clearance.

Combining a proven insecticide with diligent nit removal and thorough cleaning of personal items yields the highest success rate and prevents re‑infestation.