Lice: how to fight them? - briefly
Eliminate head lice by applying a proven pediculicide according to label instructions, then combing wet hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove nits. Wash bedding and clothing at 60 °C or store them in sealed bags for at least two weeks to block recurrence.
Lice: how to fight them? - in detail
Head lice infestations require a systematic approach that combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures. Effective treatment begins with accurate identification. Live insects, viable nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp, and recent bites confirm an active problem.
Chemical agents remain the cornerstone of eradication. Over‑the‑counter shampoos containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin provide rapid knock‑down of adult lice. Prescription‑strength preparations, such as 0.5 % malathion or 0.05 % ivermectin, are reserved for resistant cases. Application guidelines must be followed precisely: wet the hair, apply the product, leave it for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. A second treatment, spaced 7–10 days after the first, eliminates newly hatched nits that survived the initial exposure.
Mechanical removal complements chemical therapy. Fine‑toothed combs, designed for lice, detach live insects and dislodge nits when used on wet, conditioned hair. The combing process should be repeated every 2–3 days for at least two weeks. A typical routine includes:
- Sectioning hair into manageable strands.
- Running the comb from scalp to tip in a slow, steady motion.
- Wiping the comb on a white surface after each pass to inspect captured lice.
- Cleaning the comb with hot soapy water after each use.
Environmental control reduces re‑infestation risk. Items that contact the head—pillows, hats, hairbrushes, and headbands—must be laundered in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dried on high heat. Non‑washable objects can be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks to starve surviving lice. Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture removes stray nits that may fall during treatment.
Monitoring continues after therapy. Weekly scalp examinations for four weeks verify the absence of live insects and viable nits. Persistent nits without live lice indicate successful treatment; however, any resurgence of live insects necessitates retreatment with an alternative agent to avoid resistance.
Prevention strategies include educating caregivers about early detection, discouraging head‑to‑head contact during play, and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as combs or hats. Regular checks in school settings help contain outbreaks before they spread widely.