What should be treated at home for lice?

What should be treated at home for lice? - briefly

Effective home care eliminates live lice and viable nits using a pediculicide shampoo or lotion applied to the hair and scalp, then removes residual eggs with a fine‑toothed nit comb. All bedding, clothing, and personal items should be washed in hot water or sealed in airtight containers for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.

What should be treated at home for lice? - in detail

Treatable infestations at home include head lice, body lice and pubic lice. Effective management requires addressing the insects on the body, removing eggs, and eliminating sources of re‑infestation in the environment.

Chemical agents approved for over‑the‑counter use are applied directly to the scalp or affected skin. Recommended products and typical regimens are:

• «permethrin 1 %» lotion or shampoo; apply to dry hair, leave 10 minutes, rinse; repeat after 7–10 days.
• «pyrethrins» combined with piperonyl‑butoxide; apply as directed, usually 10 minutes; repeat in one week.
• «malathion 0.5 %» lotion; apply for 8–12 hours; repeat after 7 days.
• «benzyl alcohol» 5 % lotion; apply for 10 minutes; repeat after 7 days.
• «ivermectin» 0.5 % lotion; single application, no repeat needed for most cases.

When using chemicals, follow label instructions precisely, avoid contact with eyes, and keep products away from children under two years of age.

Mechanical removal relies on a fine‑toothed nit comb. Procedure:

1. Saturate hair with conditioner or water.
2. Comb from scalp outward in sections, removing live lice and nits.
3. Rinse comb after each pass.
4. Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.

Environmental decontamination reduces the risk of re‑infestation:

• Wash bedding, clothing, towels in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
• Seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for at least 14 days.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags after use.
• Soak hair accessories (combs, brushes) in hot water (≥ 130 °F) for 10 minutes.

Additional preventive actions:

• Prohibit sharing of hats, hairbrushes, headphones, or bedding.
• Treat household members who have had close contact within the previous 48 hours.
• Conduct weekly inspections of hair and body for at least one month after treatment.
• Document treatment dates and outcomes to guide any necessary follow‑up.