What should be treated after lice appear? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide to the hair and scalp according to the product instructions, then rinse thoroughly. Wash all bedding, clothing, hats and personal items in hot water or dry them on high heat to eliminate remaining lice and eggs.
What should be treated after lice appear? - in detail
When lice are detected, immediate action focuses on eliminating the parasites from the host and preventing re‑infestation.
First‑line therapy uses a pediculicide applied to the scalp and hair according to the product’s instructions. Permethrin 1 % cream rinse, pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide, or dimethicone‑based lotions are the most common options. Apply the solution to dry hair, leave it for the prescribed time, then rinse thoroughly. A second application, typically 7–10 days later, targets newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial treatment.
Mechanical removal complements chemical treatment. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, pulling from scalp to tip. Perform combing at least twice daily for one week, discarding each combed segment. This method reduces live lice and removes detached nits.
Environmental decontamination limits re‑exposure. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items 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 plastic bags for two weeks or exposed to direct sunlight for several hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags afterward.
Treat secondary skin irritation. Apply a soothing, non‑prescription lotion containing calamine or hydrocortisone 1 % to alleviate itching. Avoid scratching to prevent bacterial infection; if signs of infection appear—redness, swelling, pus—seek medical evaluation.
Monitor treatment efficacy. Examine the scalp 24 hours after the first application; presence of live lice indicates treatment failure and necessitates an alternative pediculicide. Continue weekly checks for four weeks to confirm eradication.
Educate household members and close contacts. Inform them of the infestation, advise simultaneous treatment if lice are found, and reinforce personal hygiene practices such as avoiding head‑to‑head contact and not sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories.
By combining chemical agents, thorough combing, environmental sanitation, symptom relief, and vigilant follow‑up, the infestation can be eliminated and recurrence prevented.