What quickly gets rid of lice? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion or a 0.5 % malathion shampoo for the recommended duration, then repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits. Complement chemical treatment with a fine‑tooth nit comb on damp hair to remove remaining eggs immediately.
What quickly gets rid of lice? - in detail
Rapid elimination of head‑lice requires a combination of immediate topical treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental decontamination. Effective protocols rely on agents that kill both adult insects and newly hatched nymphs, followed by thorough combing to extract remaining specimens, and finally on measures that prevent re‑infestation.
- Prescription‑strength insecticides – 1% permethrin lotion, 0.5% pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide, or 0.5% malathion solution. Apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended 10 minutes, then rinse. A second application after 7–10 days targets hatching eggs.
- Over‑the‑counter options – 4% dimethicone spray, 10% benzyl alcohol lotion, or tea‑tree oil formulations (minimum 5% concentration). These products suffocate lice rather than poison them, reducing the risk of resistance. Follow label directions precisely; repeat treatment after one week.
Mechanical removal complements chemical methods:
- Wet the hair with a generous amount of conditioner.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit‑comb, pulling from scalp to tip in 1‑inch sections.
- Rinse comb after each pass; repeat until no live insects are observed.
- Perform combing daily for at least five consecutive days.
Environmental control eliminates sources of reinfestation:
- Wash all bedding, hats, scarves, and towels in water ≥ 60 °C for 30 minutes or dry‑clean them.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up schedule:
- Initial treatment (day 0).
- Repeat application (day 7–10).
- Daily combing (days 1–5).
- Inspection of scalp and hair every 2–3 days for three weeks; retreat if live lice are detected.
Adhering to this regimen removes infestations within a week for most cases and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence.