What can be done to get rid of lice? - briefly
Apply a medicated shampoo or lotion containing a proven pediculicide, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb while wet to remove eggs; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched lice. Ensure thorough cleaning of personal items and bedding to prevent reinfestation.
What can be done to get rid of lice? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations requires a coordinated plan that combines direct treatment, thorough cleaning of personal items, and systematic follow‑up.
The first line of defense is a properly applied topical insecticide. Over‑the‑counter products containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are approved for use on children older than two months. Prescription‑strength agents such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % ivermectin lotion, or 0.1 % spinosad are reserved for resistant cases. Apply the medication to dry hair, cover the scalp for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Follow the manufacturer’s timing for a second application, typically seven to ten days later, to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Mechanical removal supplements chemical treatment and can be decisive when resistance is suspected. Use a fine‑toothed louse comb on wet, conditioned hair. Work from the scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass. Perform this combing session at least once daily for ten consecutive days. The process removes live insects and their eggs, reducing the need for repeated chemical exposure.
Environmental control prevents re‑infestation from contaminated objects. Follow these steps:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 50 °C; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items (hats, hair accessories, stuffed toys) in airtight plastic bags for two weeks, a period exceeding the lice life cycle.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, or headphones until the infestation is resolved.
Alternative treatments may be appropriate when standard insecticides are contraindicated. Dimethicone‑based lotions create a physical barrier that suffocates lice without neurotoxic action. Heat devices that raise hair temperature to 50 °C for ten minutes have demonstrated efficacy, provided they are used according to safety guidelines. Essential‑oil preparations (e.g., tea‑tree or neem oil) lack consistent clinical validation and should be employed only under professional supervision.
A strict follow‑up schedule confirms success. Inspect the scalp and neck region 24 hours after the initial treatment, then again on days 3, 7, and 14. Document any live insects or viable eggs; if any are found, repeat the appropriate treatment cycle. Continue weekly checks for an additional month to ensure complete eradication.
By integrating chemical agents, precise combing, rigorous sanitation, and disciplined monitoring, the infestation can be eliminated with minimal recurrence risk.