What helps against lice? - briefly
Effective measures include applying a permethrin‑ or pyrethrin‑based treatment to the scalp and repeatedly combing wet hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Additionally, wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the living area to remove remaining eggs.
What helps against lice? - in detail
Effective measures against head lice involve a combination of chemical treatments, physical removal techniques, environmental controls, and preventive habits.
Over-the-counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin combined with piperonyl‑butoxide provide rapid knock‑down of live insects. Prescription options such as benzyl alkonium chloride (15 %) or malathion (0.5 %) are reserved for resistant infestations. Follow label instructions precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the application after seven to ten days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Manual removal complements chemical agents. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair, section by section, from scalp to tips. Perform combing at least twice daily for a week, cleaning the comb with hot water after each pass. This method reduces reliance on insecticides and removes eggs that chemicals may miss.
Environmental decontamination limits re‑infestation. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –20 °C for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the container.
Preventive practices diminish the likelihood of future outbreaks. Advise regular head checks, especially in school settings, and discourage sharing of personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones. Encourage short haircuts where feasible, as longer hair provides more surface area for attachment.
When treatment fails, consider resistance testing or consultation with a healthcare professional to explore alternative regimens, including oral ivermectin or dimethicone‑based lotions. Prompt, thorough application of these strategies interrupts the life cycle of the parasite and restores a lice‑free environment.