Lice treatment – how to get rid of lice? - briefly
Use a pediculicide shampoo or lotion and follow with meticulous combing using a fine‑toothed nit comb, then wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water. Repeat the process after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched insects.
Lice treatment – how to get rid of lice? - in detail
Lice infestations begin when adult females lay eggs (nits) close to the scalp, typically within 1 cm of the hair shaft. Nits hatch in 7–10 days, releasing nymphs that mature into reproductive adults after about another week. Understanding this cycle is essential for selecting an effective eradication strategy.
First‑line chemical options include prescription‑strength permethrin 1 % lotion and over‑the‑counter pyrethrin‑based products. Apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched insects that survived the initial treatment. Resistance to pyrethroids has been reported; in such cases, a prescription‑only ivermectin lotion or malathion 0.5 % may be required.
Non‑chemical methods rely on mechanical removal and environmental control. The steps are:
- Comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, moving from scalp outward; repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any surviving lice.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray eggs.
Alternative topical agents such as dimethicone 4 % lotion work by coating the insect’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap for 8–12 hours, then rinse. This approach avoids neurotoxic chemicals and is effective against resistant strains.
Follow‑up evaluation should occur 7 days after the initial treatment. Inspect the scalp for live lice and live nits within 1 cm of the hair shaft. If any are found, repeat the chosen treatment or switch to a different modality. Persistent infestation after two full cycles warrants medical consultation for prescription therapy.
Prevention focuses on minimizing head‑to‑head contact and avoiding sharing personal items such as combs, hats, and headphones. Regular screening of schoolchildren and immediate treatment of identified cases reduce community spread.
By aligning treatment timing with the lice life cycle, employing both chemical and mechanical tactics, and maintaining strict hygiene protocols, complete elimination can be achieved.