Lice: how can they be fought? - briefly
Effective control requires regular use of a fine-toothed comb, application of approved pediculicidal treatments, and thorough cleaning of personal items and living spaces.
Lice: how can they be fought? - in detail
Head lice infestations demand a systematic approach that combines chemical, physical, and environmental measures. Effective control begins with accurate identification: adult lice are approximately 2–3 mm long, grayish‑brown, and move quickly through hair shafts. Nits (eggs) appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white structures firmly attached to the base of each hair strand, typically within 1 cm of the scalp.
Chemical treatments
- Pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrins with piperonyl‑butoxide are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone, a silicone‑based lotion, suffocates lice without neurotoxic action; it remains effective against resistant strains.
- Malathion (0.5 %) and spinosad (0.9 %) serve as second‑line options for populations with documented resistance to pyrethroids.
All agents require a repeat application 7–10 days after the first dose to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Physical removal
- Fine‑toothed nit combs, used on wet, conditioned hair, extract live insects and nits. Systematic combing from scalp to tip, repeated every 2–3 days for two weeks, can eradicate an infestation without chemicals.
- Manual extraction with tweezers is feasible for small numbers of nits but is labor‑intensive and less reliable for heavy infestations.
Environmental management
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in plastic bags for at least two weeks, depriving lice of a host.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray lice and nits; discard vacuum bags immediately after use.
Preventive practices
- Avoid head‑to‑head contact during play and sports.
- Do not share combs, hats, scarves, or hair accessories.
- Screen children regularly in schools or daycare centers; prompt treatment of identified cases limits spread.
Monitoring and follow‑up
- After treatment, inspect the scalp daily for live lice; any detection warrants immediate re‑treatment according to the product’s protocol.
- Document treatment dates, products used, and outcomes to inform future interventions and reduce recurrence.
By integrating these chemical, mechanical, and environmental strategies, a comprehensive eradication of head lice can be achieved with minimal risk of resistance development or reinfestation.