What is the term for lice eradication? - briefly
The procedure is called delousing.
What is the term for lice eradication? - in detail
The process of eliminating lice is commonly referred to as delousing. This term encompasses any systematic effort to remove head, body, or pubic lice from a host or environment.
Delousing employs several approaches:
- Chemical agents: pediculicides such as permethrin, pyrethrins, malathion, or ivermectin applied to hair or skin to kill insects.
- Physical methods: fine‑tooth combs, hot water washing, or steam treatment that mechanically dislodge or destroy lice and nits.
- Environmental control: laundering bedding, clothing, and personal items at temperatures above 50 °C or using sealed plastic bags for non‑washable items to prevent re‑infestation.
- Preventive measures: regular screening in schools or institutions, education on avoiding head‑to‑head contact, and routine use of repellents.
The word originates from the Latin delusus, meaning “to loosen, release,” and entered English in the early 20th century to describe decontamination procedures, especially in military and public‑health contexts. In contemporary usage, delousing applies to both individual treatment and large‑scale campaigns, such as those conducted in refugee camps or during outbreak investigations.