What if you have lice – what should you do? - briefly
If you discover head lice, start treatment right away with an FDA‑approved insecticide shampoo or lotion applied as directed. Then comb out nits with a fine‑tooth comb, wash bedding and clothing in hot water, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any hatchlings.
What if you have lice – what should you do? - in detail
If you discover head‑lice on yourself or a child, act promptly to stop the infestation and prevent spread.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts within a centimeter of the scalp. Use a fine‑tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair under bright light. Visible adult lice or moving nits confirm the problem.
Next, select an appropriate treatment:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – shampoos, lotions, or sprays containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrins with piperonyl‑butoxide. Apply according to the label, leave for the recommended time, then rinse.
- Prescription options – 0.5 % malathion, 0.1 % ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol lotion for cases resistant to OTC products. Obtain these from a healthcare professional.
- Non‑chemical methods – thorough wet‑combing with a fine‑tooth nit‑comb for 10 minutes daily over a week, or applying dimethicone‑based products that suffocate lice.
After treatment, repeat the process 7–10 days later to eliminate any newly hatched insects that survived the first round.
Simultaneously, remove all potential sources of reinfestation:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to capture stray lice or nits.
- Instruct all close contacts—family members, classmates—to inspect their hair and, if necessary, undergo preventive treatment.
Educate those involved about the life cycle: adult lice live 30 days on a host, lay up to 10 eggs per day, and nits hatch in 7–10 days. Understanding this timeline justifies the need for a second treatment and continuous combing.
Finally, monitor the situation for at least four weeks. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a medical professional for alternative regimens or possible resistance testing.