What should be done about lice on the head? - briefly
Apply a licensed pediculicide treatment, then comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb and repeat the application after 7–10 days. Launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done about lice on the head? - in detail
Head lice infestation requires prompt identification and systematic eradication. Inspection of the scalp and hair with a fine-toothed lice comb reveals live insects and viable nits attached within 1 cm of the hair shaft. Confirmation eliminates unnecessary treatment.
Immediate response includes thorough wet‑combing. Apply a conditioner to damp hair, then run a metal comb from the scalp outward in 4‑inch sections, removing each louse and nit before discarding the comb teeth. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Chemical control supplements mechanical removal. Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are applied to dry hair, left for the manufacturer‑specified duration, then rinsed. Resistance may necessitate prescription‑only agents such as 0.5 % malathion or 0.2 % ivermectin, applied according to medical guidance.
Environmental decontamination prevents reinfestation. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the preceding 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray nits.
Follow‑up evaluation occurs 7–10 days after initial treatment. Re‑inspect the scalp; if live lice persist, repeat the chosen pediculicide following label instructions. Continue wet‑combing until no viable nits remain.
Prevention relies on minimizing head‑to‑head contact and avoiding shared personal items. Conduct regular scalp checks in schools or group settings, especially after outbreaks. Educate caregivers and children about the risks of sharing hats, hairbrushes, and headphones.