What can be used to get rid of lice on a person's head? - briefly
Over‑the‑counter shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin, as well as prescription treatments such as ivermectin or malathion, eradicate live lice; a fine‑toothed nit comb removes remaining nits.
What can be used to get rid of lice on a person's head? - in detail
Effective eradication of head lice requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental strategies.
Chemical agents approved for human use include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nymphs.
- Pyrethrin‑based products – combined with piperonyl‑butoxide to enhance penetration; follow the same schedule as permethrin.
- Malathion 0.5 % – oil‑based formulation, applied for 8–12 hours before washing; useful when resistance to pyrethrins is suspected.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion – kills lice through asphyxiation; requires a 10‑day treatment course with daily applications.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension – single 10‑minute application, effective against resistant strains.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion – applied for 10 minutes, repeat after 7 days; prescription‑only in many regions.
Mechanical removal focuses on physically extracting eggs and live insects:
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair.
- Perform combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks.
- Clean the comb with hot, soapy water after each use.
Silicone‑based products such as dimethicone act by coating lice and obstructing respiration. Application involves saturating the scalp, leaving the product for the recommended duration (often 8–10 hours), then washing thoroughly.
Environmental control minimizes re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, hats, scarves, and clothing at ≥ 60 °C or seal in plastic bags for 2 weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, and headphones.
Safety considerations:
- Follow label instructions regarding age limits, contact time, and repeat dosing.
- Do not apply chemical treatments to broken or irritated skin.
- Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using pediculicides.
Combining a primary pediculicide with diligent combing and thorough environmental cleaning yields the highest success rate, typically eliminating the infestation within 10–14 days. Continuous monitoring for live lice after treatment confirms eradication.