What is a fast and effective way to get rid of lice at home? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin lotion to damp hair, leave for 10 minutes, rinse, then remove nits with a fine‑tooth comb; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice. Ensure all personal items (combs, hats, bedding) are washed in hot water or sealed for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
What is a fast and effective way to get rid of lice at home? - in detail
A rapid, reliable home remedy begins with confirming the infestation. Examine the scalp under bright light, part hair in sections, and look for live insects about the size of a sesame seed or their brown, oval eggs (nits) attached within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Apply a proven pediculicide – use a 1 % permethrin lotion or a 0.5 % pyrethrin‑based spray approved for children over two months. Follow the product label precisely: apply to dry hair, cover the scalp, leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- Comb out remaining lice and nits – while hair is still damp, run a fine‑toothed nit comb from the scalp outward in 2‑inch sections. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and discard. Repeat the combing process for at least 30 minutes, covering the entire head.
- Repeat treatment – 7–10 days after the first application, repeat steps 1 and 2. This interval targets any newly hatched lice that survived the initial dose.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing worn in the preceding 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Seal untreated items (e.g., stuffed animals, hats) in sealed plastic bags for two weeks, or place them in a freezer at –4 °F for 24 hours.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Preventive measures
- Instruct all household members to avoid sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, and bedding.
- Perform weekly scalp inspections for at least one month after treatment.
When pediculicides are contraindicated (e.g., allergy, young infant), substitute with a 20 % dimethicone lotion, applying the same schedule, and rely heavily on meticulous combing and environmental decontamination.
Adhering strictly to the dosage, timing, and repeat protocol eliminates the infestation within a week and prevents resurgence.