What should be done if lice are found? - briefly
Isolate the infested individual, apply an approved lice treatment to the hair, and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water while vacuuming the environment. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched insects.
What should be done if lice are found? - in detail
When live lice or their eggs are discovered on a person’s scalp, immediate and systematic action is required to eliminate the infestation and prevent re‑spread.
First, isolate the affected individual from close contact with others, especially in school or daycare settings, until treatment is completed. Notify caregivers, teachers, or employers so that they can monitor others and arrange appropriate measures.
Second, select an effective pediculicide. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion or shampoo, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin‑based products, used with a conditioner to enhance spread, following the same timing.
- Dimethicone‑based lotions, which suffocate insects without neurotoxic action, suitable for resistant cases.
Apply the chosen preparation according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring thorough coverage from scalp to tips of hair. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nymphs that survived the first dose.
Third, remove nits mechanically. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, working section by section from the scalp outward. Comb each section at least 10 times, rinsing the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing process daily for two weeks.
Fourth, treat personal items. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours 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 placed in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours.
Fifth, clean the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove detached lice or eggs. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed trash container.
Sixth, conduct a follow‑up inspection. After the second treatment and thorough combing, examine the scalp for live insects or viable nits. If any remain, repeat the entire regimen.
Finally, educate all contacts about the life cycle of lice, the necessity of completing both treatment rounds, and the importance of regular head checks for at least four weeks after the initial incident. This comprehensive protocol halts the current outbreak and minimizes the risk of future infestation.