What kills lice? - briefly
Pediculicidal shampoos and lotions containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone eliminate head lice rapidly. Exposing clothing, bedding, and accessories to temperatures above 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes also kills the parasites.
What kills lice? - in detail
Lice infestations can be eradicated through chemical, physical, and natural approaches. Each method targets the insect’s nervous system, exoskeleton, or reproductive cycle, ensuring complete removal when applied correctly.
Chemical agents remain the most widely employed solution. Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, disrupts nerve impulses, leading to rapid paralysis and death. Pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemum flowers, acts similarly but degrades faster, reducing the risk of resistance. Malathion, an organophosphate, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing accumulation of neurotransmitters and fatal overstimulation. Dimethicone, a silicone‑based oil, coats the lice, suffocating them without neurotoxic effects and is considered safe for repeated use.
Physical techniques eliminate lice by depriving them of a viable environment. High‑temperature washing—water at 54 °C (130 °F) for at least 10 minutes—destroys both adults and nymphs on clothing and bedding. Dry‑heat treatment using a dryer on high heat for 20 minutes achieves the same result. Fine‑toothed combs, when used on wet, conditioned hair, physically remove live insects and eggs; repeated combing over several days prevents re‑infestation.
Natural substances offer non‑chemical alternatives. Essential oils such as tea tree, neem, and rosemary possess insecticidal properties; they interfere with lice respiration and egg viability. Saline solutions, applied as a spray, cause osmotic imbalance, leading to dehydration of the parasite. Coconut oil, when heated and applied thoroughly, coats the scalp, impairing lice mobility and facilitating manual removal.
Effective treatment typically combines methods to address both live lice and their eggs. A recommended protocol includes:
- Apply a FDA‑approved topical insecticide (permethrin or dimethicone) according to label instructions.
- Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water or dry on high heat.
- Use a fine‑toothed comb on damp hair for at least 15 minutes, repeating every 2–3 days for one week.
- Consider a supplemental natural oil treatment to reduce irritation and prevent resistance.
- Re‑evaluate after 7–10 days; repeat the chemical application if any live lice persist.
Adherence to these steps, along with thorough environmental sanitation, ensures total eradication of the infestation.