What should be purchased to combat lice? - briefly
Purchase a pediculicide shampoo or lotion, a fine‑toothed nit comb, and a laundry detergent designed for hot‑wash cycles; optionally add a protective spray for bedding and clothing. Use these items together for effective lice eradication.
What should be purchased to combat lice? - in detail
Effective lice eradication requires a specific set of products that target both the insects and their eggs while preventing re‑infestation. The essential purchases include:
- Chemical treatment – FDA‑approved pediculicide shampoo, lotion, or foam containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin. Follow the label for application time and repeat dosing after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nits.
- Fine‑toothed nit comb – Stainless‑steel or plastic comb with 0.15‑mm spacing. Use on wet, conditioned hair to remove live lice and unhatched eggs.
- Protective clothing – Disposable gloves and a disposable cover for the treatment area to avoid cross‑contamination.
- Laundry additives – High‑temperature detergent or a specialized lice‑killing laundry booster for washing clothing, bedding, and towels at ≥130 °F (54 °C).
- Dryer sheets or heat‑treating device – A dryer set to high heat for at least 30 minutes, or a portable heat‑treatment unit for items that cannot be laundered.
- Environmental spray – EPA‑registered aerosol or fogger for treating upholstered furniture, carpets, and car seats. Apply according to manufacturer instructions and ventilate the area afterward.
- Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter – For thorough removal of loose nits from floors, cracks, and crevices. Empty the canister into a sealed bag after use.
Additional optional items can support the primary regimen:
- Prescription oral medication – Ivermectin or oral spinosad for resistant infestations, available only with a physician’s order.
- Silicone‑based dimethicone lotion – Non‑chemical option that suffocates lice; useful for individuals sensitive to neurotoxic agents.
- Hair‑drying caps – Devices that maintain a temperature of 50 °C for 30 minutes, providing an alternative to chemical treatments.
Each product should be used in the sequence recommended by health authorities: apply the pediculicide, comb out nits, treat personal items, and decontaminate the environment. Proper adherence to the protocol maximizes eradication success and minimizes the risk of recurrence.