Lice on hair: how can they be removed? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion and comb the hair with a fine-tooth lice comb, repeating the process after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to prevent reinfestation.
Lice on hair: how can they be removed? - in detail
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are small, wing‑less insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. An adult measures 2–3 mm, reproduces rapidly, and can cause itching and secondary infection if left untreated.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of the scalp and hair. Live insects appear as grayish‑brown bodies; nits (eggs) are oval, firmly attached to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp. A fine‑toothed lice comb can confirm presence by pulling out lice or nits.
Effective eradication combines chemical agents, mechanical removal, and environmental measures.
Chemical treatments
- Over‑the‑counter lotions or shampoos containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, applied according to label directions, kill most live insects.
- Prescription‑strength products (e.g., 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % ivermectin) are reserved for resistant cases.
- Follow a second application 7–10 days after the first to eliminate newly hatched lice.
Mechanical removal (wet combing)
- Saturate hair with lukewarm water; add a generous amount of conditioner to reduce slip.
- Divide hair into sections of 2–3 cm.
- Starting at the scalp, pull a fine‑toothed comb through each section from root to tip.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to inspect for lice or nits.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Environmental control
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray nits.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or headphones until the infestation is cleared.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the scalp 14 days after the initial treatment; repeat combing if any live insects are found.
- Continue weekly checks for an additional three weeks to confirm eradication.
Combining a properly applied pediculicide with systematic wet combing and thorough cleaning of personal items provides the highest likelihood of complete removal.