Lice on the head: how to remove them? - briefly
Effective removal requires thorough combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb after applying a pediculicide shampoo, followed by repeated treatments at seven‑day intervals. All personal items should be washed at 60 °C or sealed for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
Lice on the head: how to remove them? - in detail
Head lice infestations require prompt and systematic treatment to eradicate the insects and prevent re‑infestation. Effective control combines chemical or physical agents with thorough grooming practices.
The primary steps are:
- Apply a licensed pediculicide (permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone) according to the product instructions. Leave the solution on the scalp for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly.
- After the initial application, comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Divide the hair into sections, pull each section taut, and run the comb from scalp to tip. Repeat the process until no live nits are seen on the comb.
- Perform a second treatment 7–10 days after the first, targeting newly hatched lice that survived the first cycle.
- Wash all personal items (bedding, hats, scarves, hairbrushes) in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate dormant eggs.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove any fallen lice or nits.
- Advise all close contacts to inspect their hair and, if necessary, repeat the treatment protocol.
Additional measures enhance success:
- Use a conditioner before combing to reduce hair tangling and facilitate nit removal.
- Avoid heat styling tools that may damage the scalp after chemical treatment.
- Maintain regular inspections for at least three weeks to confirm complete eradication.
When chemical options are contraindicated (e.g., allergy, pregnancy), a physical method such as a dimethicone‑based lotion or a thorough wet‑combing regimen can be employed as the sole treatment. Consistent application of these procedures eliminates the infestation and minimizes the risk of recurrence.