What should be done if you see a louse? - briefly
Extract the louse with a fine‑tooth comb and wash the hair using hot water and shampoo. Then clean clothing, bedding, and apply a recommended pediculicide to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done if you see a louse? - in detail
Encountering a head louse requires immediate, systematic action to eliminate the parasite and prevent reinfestation.
First, confirm the presence of the insect. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, inspecting the comb teeth after each pass. Live lice move quickly; dead specimens appear brown and immobile.
Second, apply an appropriate pediculicide. Choose a product containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin, following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, a prescription containing malathion or ivermectin may be necessary; consult a healthcare professional before use.
Third, remove all viable lice and nits manually. After treatment, comb the hair with a nit‑comb at least twice daily for seven days, ensuring each pass covers the entire scalp from root to tip. Dispose of combed material by sealing it in a plastic bag and discarding it.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks, the typical survival period for lice off a host.
Fifth, treat the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats to remove detached insects and shed eggs. Do not use insecticides on household surfaces; mechanical removal suffices.
Sixth, monitor for recurrence. Conduct weekly inspections for at least four weeks, repeating the combing protocol if any live lice are observed.
Seventh, implement preventive measures. Advise against sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, or pillows. Encourage regular head checks, especially after close contact with known cases.
By executing these steps promptly and thoroughly, the infestation can be eradicated and the risk of future outbreaks minimized.