What actions are needed when dealing with lice? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion and comb out nits with a fine-toothed lice comb. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to prevent recurrence.
What actions are needed when dealing with lice? - in detail
Lice infestations require a systematic response that eliminates the insects, prevents re‑infestation, and addresses the environment where they thrive.
The first step is confirming the presence of live lice or viable eggs. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, examining each strand from scalp to tip. Visible nymphs, adult insects, or eggs (nits) attached within 1 mm of the scalp confirm an active problem.
Treatment proceeds in three phases.
- Direct eradication – Apply an approved pediculicide (permethrin 1 %, pyrethrin, dimethicone, or malathion) according to the product label. Leave the preparation on the scalp for the specified duration, then rinse thoroughly.
- Mechanical removal – After chemical treatment, comb the hair with a lice‑comb at 5‑minute intervals for three consecutive days. Remove each caught insect or egg with tweezers, discarding them in sealed plastic.
- Repeat application – Perform a second dose of the pediculicide 7–10 days after the first, targeting any newly hatched lice that survived the initial round.
Environmental control complements personal treatment.
- Wash all worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal items that cannot be laundered (e.g., stuffed toys) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse away from a host.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats to remove detached hairs and eggs.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
Monitoring continues for three weeks after the final treatment. Inspect the scalp every 2–3 days, using the fine‑toothed comb to detect any remaining nits. If live lice are observed, repeat the full treatment cycle. Documentation of each step—product used, dates of application, and inspection findings—facilitates coordination with schools or childcare facilities, ensuring that all contacts receive appropriate measures.