Lice on the head – how to fight them?

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Lice on the head – how to fight them? - briefly
Apply a pediculicidal shampoo, then comb wet hair with a fine-tooth nit comb, repeating the process after 7–10 days to remove any newly hatched eggs. Wash or seal bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or airtight containers for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.

Lice on the head – how to fight them? - in detail
Head‑lice infestations require prompt identification and systematic eradication. Early detection relies on visual inspection of the scalp and hair, preferably under bright light. Look for live insects, pale oval nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp, and intense itching.
Effective eradication protocol

Mechanical removal

Apply a fine‑tooth comb to wet, conditioned hair.
Comb from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass.
Repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched nymphs.

Chemical agents

Use a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following label instructions precisely.
Apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly.
Conduct a second treatment 7–10 days later to eliminate survivors.

Alternative treatments

Dimethicone lotions create a coating that suffocates insects; they are safe for children over six months.
Heat therapy, such as a calibrated hair dryer set to high temperature, can kill lice when applied for 10 minutes, ensuring scalp protection.

Environmental control

Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray nits.

Post‑treatment monitoring

Re‑examine the scalp every 48 hours for three weeks.
Continue combing sessions until no live insects are observed for a full week.

Adhering to this structured approach eliminates infestations efficiently and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.