What can help against lice? - briefly
Effective treatment uses a pediculicide such as permethrin or dimethicone combined with repeated wet‑combing of hair using a fine‑toothed lice comb, and washing bedding and clothing in hot water. A second application 7–10 days later eliminates remaining nits and prevents reinfestation.
What can help against lice? - in detail
Effective control of head‑lice infestations relies on a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental strategies. Over‑the‑counter insecticidal shampoos and lotions containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrins provide rapid knock‑down of active insects. For resistant populations, a prescription‑only preparation with 0.5 % malathion or benzyl alcohol lotion offers an alternative, as both act on different neural pathways. Application must follow label instructions precisely: thorough coverage of the scalp, a minimum contact time of 10 minutes, and a repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Physical removal complements chemical treatment. A fine‑toothed nit comb, used on wet, conditioned hair, extracts live lice and viable eggs. Systematic combing every 2–3 days for two weeks reduces the residual population without reliance on pesticides. The process benefits from dividing hair into sections, combing each section from scalp to tip, and wiping the comb on a white surface after each pass to confirm removal.
Environmental decontamination curtails re‑infestation. Items that contact the head—pillows, hats, scarves, hairbrushes—should be sealed in plastic bags for at least 48 hours, a duration exceeding the lice survival window off the host. Washable fabrics may be laundered at 55 °C (131 °F) or higher; non‑washable items can be placed in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. Vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats removes shed eggs that may have fallen during contact.
Natural products provide adjunctive options, though evidence varies. Dimethicone‑based lotions coat the exoskeleton, suffocating the parasite without neurotoxic effects. Tea‑tree oil, neem oil, and rosemary oil have demonstrated limited ovicidal activity in laboratory settings; when used, they should be diluted to avoid scalp irritation and combined with a mechanical combing regimen. Essential‑oil preparations are not substitutes for approved insecticides in severe cases.
Prevention hinges on early detection and education. Routine scalp inspections in school settings, especially after known outbreaks, enable prompt treatment before widespread transmission. Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones. Maintaining short hair reduces the habitat available to lice, facilitating detection and removal. Consistent application of the above measures yields the highest probability of eliminating the infestation and preventing recurrence.