What can be done about lice? - briefly
Effective treatment involves applying an FDA‑approved pediculicide (e.g., 1 % permethrin) and systematically combing out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Follow up by laundering bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuuming surroundings to eliminate residual eggs and prevent recurrence.
What can be done about lice? - in detail
Effective control of head‑lice infestations requires a combination of immediate treatment, environmental decontamination, and preventive measures.
First‑line therapy involves topical pediculicides approved by health authorities. Common options include 1% permethrin lotion, 0.5% malathion liquid, and dimethicone‑based formulations. Apply the product according to the package instructions, leave it on the scalp for the specified duration, then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial dose.
If resistance or intolerance limits the use of standard agents, oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) can be prescribed under medical supervision. Mechanical removal with a fine‑toothed nit comb, performed on wet hair after conditioning, reduces the number of viable insects and may be combined with chemical treatment to increase success rates.
Environmental management targets the survival of lice off the host. Wash all recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for a minimum of two weeks, the period required for lice to die without a blood meal. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove fallen nymphs; discard the vacuum bag or clean the container afterward.
Preventive strategies focus on limiting transmission. Encourage regular head inspections, especially in school settings, and educate caregivers about early detection signs such as itching and visible nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp. Avoid sharing personal items—combs, hats, scarves, headphones—and discourage head‑to‑head contact during play.
A systematic approach—prompt pharmacologic treatment, thorough combing, rigorous laundering, and ongoing vigilance—provides the highest likelihood of eradicating an infestation and preventing recurrence.