What is an effective and fast way to remove lice and nits at home? - briefly
Treat the scalp with a 1 % permethrin lotion or a warm water–white‑vinegar rinse, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb, removing each louse and egg and repeating the combing every 2–3 hours for several days. Perform a second treatment 7–10 days later to eradicate any newly hatched insects.
What is an effective and fast way to remove lice and nits at home? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice and their eggs at home requires a combination of chemical or natural treatment, thorough combing, and environmental cleaning.
First, apply a lice‑killing product to dry hair. Options include:
- 1 % permethrin lotion, applied according to package directions, left on for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- 0.5 % malathion spray for resistant infestations, used in a well‑ventilated area, left for 8–12 minutes.
- 10 % tea‑tree oil mixed with a carrier oil, applied for 30 minutes; suitable for mild cases and for those preferring a botanical approach.
Second, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (0.2 mm spacing) on wet, conditioned hair. Work from the scalp outward, combing each section three times. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and discard any collected lice or nits. Continue until no live insects are seen for two consecutive passes.
Third, repeat the treatment after 7–9 days to target newly hatched nits that survived the first round.
Fourth, decontaminate the environment:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Fifth, monitor the scalp daily for at least three weeks. If live lice appear after the second treatment, repeat the entire protocol or consult a medical professional for prescription‑strength options.
Key precautions: avoid applying chemicals to broken skin, follow manufacturer safety warnings, and keep treated hair away from eyes and mouth. Proper execution of these steps yields rapid and reliable eradication of head‑lice infestations in a domestic setting.