What needs to be treated after lice? - briefly
Treat the scalp and hair with a nit‑removing shampoo or lotion to eradicate remaining eggs, then wash or heat‑treat all personal items (bedding, clothing, hats, brushes, and combs). Disinfect surfaces that may have been in contact, such as upholstered furniture and car seats, to prevent re‑infestation.
What needs to be treated after lice? - in detail
After eliminating head‑lice, the skin of the scalp often remains irritated. Apply a soothing, fragrance‑free lotion or a corticosteroid cream if redness or itching persists. Inspect the scalp daily for residual nits; remove any that are detected with a fine‑toothed comb.
The environment that hosted the infestation must be decontaminated. Wash all clothing, hats, scarves, and pillowcases in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or exposed to direct sunlight for several hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Personal hygiene practices help prevent re‑infestation. Advise regular shampooing with a gentle cleanser, avoid sharing combs, brushes, or headgear, and keep hair tied back when possible. Educate household members about early signs of lice to enable prompt detection.
A follow‑up treatment may be necessary. Some products require a second application 7–10 days after the first dose to target newly hatched nits. Verify that the chosen product’s instructions are followed precisely to avoid resistance.
Summary of actions:
- Apply anti‑itch or anti‑inflammatory topical agents as needed.
- Perform thorough combing to eliminate remaining nits.
- Launder or isolate all washable fabrics at high temperature.
- Vacuum and clean non‑launderable surfaces.
- Maintain personal hygiene and avoid sharing personal items.
- Schedule a second treatment session according to product guidelines.
These steps address residual symptoms, eradicate lingering parasites, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.