What kills lice and nits at home? - briefly
A 1 % permethrin preparation applied to the scalp for the recommended time kills live lice, and a fine‑toothed nit comb used afterward removes the eggs. Saturating the hair with petroleum or olive oil and covering it for several hours also suffocates both lice and nits.
What kills lice and nits at home? - in detail
Effective home eradication of head‑lice and their eggs relies on a combination of chemical agents, physical removal techniques, and environmental measures.
A common chemical approach uses over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing either permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl‑butoxide. Apply the product according to the label, leave it on the scalp for the recommended period, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant infestations, a 0.5 % malathion lotion or a 0.2 % spinosad suspension may be prescribed; both require careful handling and a repeat application after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nits.
Non‑chemical alternatives include:
- Hot water wash: Soak hair in water heated to at least 50 °C (122 °F) for 10 minutes. The temperature kills both insects and eggs.
- Steam treatment: Use a handheld steamer on the scalp and hair shafts for 5 minutes; steam penetrates the cuticle and destroys lice and nits.
- High‑temperature hair dryer: Direct hot air (≥150 °C) at the hair for several minutes, keeping the dryer moving to avoid scalp burns.
- Suffocation method: Apply a thick coating of petroleum jelly or a silicone‑based oil, leave for 8–12 hours, then comb out the dead insects with a fine‑toothed nit comb.
Mechanical removal remains essential. A nit comb with 0.2‑mm teeth should be used on wet, conditioned hair. Section the hair, pull the comb from scalp to tip, rinse the comb after each pass, and repeat the process for at least three consecutive days.
Environmental control prevents re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and hats in hot water (≥60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve any remaining lice.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or headphones.
Safety considerations:
- Verify age‑specific approvals on all pediculicides; many are not suitable for children under two years.
- Perform a patch test for allergic reactions before full application of chemical products.
- Keep chemicals away from eyes and mucous membranes; wash hands thoroughly after use.
Combining a properly applied topical agent with diligent combing and thorough cleaning of personal items yields the highest success rate, typically eliminating the infestation within one to two weeks. Regular follow‑up inspections on days 3, 7, and 14 ensure that any surviving nits are detected and removed promptly.