What destroys lice and nits? - briefly
Effective eradication uses insecticidal agents (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone) that kill adult lice and dissolve nits, applied with a fine‑toothed comb, and heat treatments that raise hair temperature above 50 °C. Complementary measures include laundering bedding and clothing at 60 °C to eliminate any remaining stages.
What destroys lice and nits? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice and their eggs requires a combination of chemical, physical, and environmental strategies.
Chemical agents that kill both adult insects and developing ova include prescription‑strength permethrin (1 %), pyrethrin‑based shampoos, malathion (0.5 %), benzyl alcohol lotion (5 %), ivermectin (0.5 % lotion), and spinosad (0.9 %). These products work by disrupting the nervous system of the parasite, leading to rapid paralysis and death. Resistance patterns vary; when one agent fails, switching to a different class is advisable.
Physical methods supplement chemicals. Wet combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb after applying a conditioning spray removes live insects and unhatched eggs. Repeating the process every 2–3 days for at least three weeks eliminates any newly hatched lice before they reproduce. Heat treatment—using a hair dryer on a high setting for a few seconds per section or applying a specialized lice‑removing device that delivers controlled heat—denatures proteins in the insect’s exoskeleton and destroys embryos.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk. Washing clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water at ≥ 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, followed by a high‑heat dryer cycle, kills any surviving stages. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period exceeding the lice life cycle, to ensure all insects die. Vacuuming upholstery and car seats removes detached lice and nits; discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward prevents re‑contamination.
Adjunctive measures support primary treatments. Avoiding head‑to‑head contact, not sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories, and limiting close contact in group settings decrease transmission. Regular inspection of the scalp—particularly behind the ears and near the neckline—allows early detection and prompt intervention.
A comprehensive approach that integrates an appropriate topical insecticide, diligent nit removal, and strict environmental sanitation provides the highest likelihood of complete elimination.