Lice on long hair – what should be done?

Lice on long hair – what should be done? - briefly

Apply a medicated lice shampoo or lotion, then comb the hair thoroughly with a fine‑toothed nit comb, focusing on the tips. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after seven days to eradicate any remaining eggs.

Lice on long hair – what should be done? - in detail

Infestations of head lice in long hair require a systematic approach to eliminate parasites and prevent re‑colonisation. The procedure consists of three phases: detection, treatment, and follow‑up.

Detection

• Examine the scalp with a fine‑toothed comb under bright light. Look for live insects, nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft, and signs of irritation.
• Conduct a second inspection after 24 hours to confirm the presence of viable lice, as nits may be mistaken for dead eggs.

Treatment

1. Chemical option

   • Apply a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, following label instructions precisely.
   • Leave the product on the scalp for the recommended duration, typically 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
   • Immediately comb the hair with a nit‑comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

2. Physical option

   • Use a heated comb (≈ 50 °C) that kills lice on contact.
   • Perform combing sessions every 3–4 days for two weeks, ensuring each pass covers the entire length of the hair.

3. Adjunct measures

   • Wash clothing, bed linens, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
   • Seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for two weeks.

Follow‑up

• Repeat the nit‑combing process daily for one week after the initial treatment.
• Conduct a final inspection on day 14; any remaining nits indicate the need for a second treatment cycle.

Prevention

• Advise regular use of a fine comb to detect early signs.
• Recommend avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing personal items such as hats or hairbrushes.

Adhering to the outlined steps eliminates the infestation efficiently and reduces the risk of recurrence.