What kinds of lice are there and how do you fight them? - briefly
The primary human ectoparasites are head (scalp) lice, body lice, and pubic (crab) lice, each adapted to a specific body region and feeding on blood. Effective control combines approved topical insecticides (such as permethrin or dimethicone) with meticulous combing, laundering of clothing and bedding at high temperatures, and regular hygiene practices to eliminate infestations.
What kinds of lice are there and how do you fight them? - in detail
Lice infestations affect humans and animals, each species requiring specific identification and control measures. The three primary groups that infest humans are head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus), and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis). Head lice reside on the scalp, attaching their eggs (nits) to hair shafts; body lice live in clothing seams and move to the skin to feed; pubic lice inhabit the coarse hair of the genital area and occasionally other body hair.
Additional lice species target animals, such as canine and feline chewing lice (Trichodectes and Felicola spp.) and livestock biting lice (Haematopinus spp.). While these do not directly infest humans, zoonotic transmission of certain lice can occur, especially in close-contact environments.
Effective eradication relies on three pillars: mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental decontamination.
Mechanical removal
- Fine-toothed combs for head lice, applied to wet hair with conditioner, to extract live insects and nits.
- Manual extraction of body lice from clothing using lint rollers or adhesive tapes.
- Surgical excision of pubic lice in severe cases, though rarely needed.
Chemical treatment
- Topical pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide, applied to scalp or affected area for the recommended duration.
- Ivermectin lotion (0.5 %) for resistant infestations, applied per manufacturer guidelines.
- Oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) for extensive body lice outbreaks, administered under medical supervision.
- Dimethicone-based products for head lice, suffocating insects without neurotoxic action.
Environmental decontamination
- Laundering clothing, bedding, and towels at ≥60 °C, followed by tumble drying on high heat.
- Sealing non-washable items in airtight bags for two weeks to interrupt the lice life cycle.
- Vacuuming upholstered furniture and carpets to remove detached nits and larvae.
Treatment protocols typically require a repeat application 7–10 days after the initial dose to eliminate newly hatched lice. Monitoring involves checking the scalp or body surface daily for live insects and nits; absence of live lice after two consecutive inspections confirms success.
Resistance to common pediculicides has risen, prompting the use of combination therapies and rotation of active ingredients. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised for pregnant individuals, young children, or cases unresponsive to over‑the‑counter options.