What is the best thing to use against lice and nits? - briefly
A prescription‑strength pediculicide—such as 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion—provides the most reliable eradication of lice and their eggs. After application, a fine‑toothed nit comb should be used to remove any remaining nits.
What is the best thing to use against lice and nits? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures. The most reliable chemical agents are those approved by health authorities for direct application to the scalp. Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied for ten minutes and then rinsed, eliminates active insects in the majority of cases. Pyrethrin formulations, combined with piperonyl‑butoxide to inhibit detoxification enzymes, provide a comparable success rate but may be less effective where resistance is documented. Malathion 0.5 % liquid, left on the hair for eight to twelve hours, offers an alternative for resistant populations, though it demands careful handling to avoid skin irritation. Benzyl‑alcohol 5 % lotion, a non‑neurotoxic option, kills lice within thirty minutes but does not affect eggs; a second application after seven days addresses newly hatched nymphs. Ivermectin 0.5 % cream, applied for ten minutes, achieves high cure rates and is useful for individuals with limited tolerance to other agents.
Mechanical removal complements chemical treatment. A fine‑toothed nit comb, used on wet, conditioned hair, can extract up to ninety percent of viable eggs when combed systematically from scalp to tip. Repeating the combing process daily for a week ensures removal of any surviving nymphs. Silicone‑based products, such as dimethicone 100 % lotion, coat lice and nits, causing immobilization and suffocation; they are non‑neurotoxic and effective against resistant strains.
Environmental control limits re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing 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 plastic bags for two weeks, the typical life span of a louse. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray insects.
A practical protocol:
- Apply a first‑line pediculicide (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑piperonyl‑butoxide) according to label instructions.
- After the recommended waiting period, rinse hair thoroughly and dry.
- Perform nit combing on damp hair, repeating every 24 hours for seven days.
- If lice persist after the initial treatment, administer a second‑line agent (malathion, benzyl‑alcohol, or ivermectin) and repeat combing.
- Execute environmental decontamination steps concurrently.
Adhering to this integrated approach—chemical treatment selected for local resistance patterns, diligent nit removal, and thorough cleaning of personal items—provides the highest likelihood of complete clearance.