What should be used to remove lice and nits? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed lice comb together with an FDA‑approved pediculicide (e.g., 1 % permethrin lotion) to eliminate both insects and their eggs.
What should be used to remove lice and nits? - in detail
Effective elimination of head lice and their eggs requires a combination of chemical agents, mechanical tools, and environmental measures.
First‑line chemical treatments include topical pediculicides formulated with 1 % permethrin, pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide, or 0.5 % malathion. These products are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration, then rinsed. Spinosad 0.9 % suspension and ivermectin 0.5 % lotion serve as alternatives when resistance to pyrethroids is suspected. Prescription‑only options, such as benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion or dimethicone 4 % cream, provide additional choices for cases where over‑the‑counter solutions fail.
Mechanical removal involves a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably metal, used on wet, conditioned hair. The comb should pass from scalp to tip in small sections, repeated until no live insects or attached eggs are seen. Daily combing for at least ten days after the initial treatment increases success rates.
Suffocation methods, such as applying a thin layer of mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or olive oil, can aid in loosening eggs before combing. These substances are left on the scalp for 30–60 minutes, then removed and followed by thorough combing.
A second chemical application, scheduled 7–10 days after the first, targets newly hatched lice that escaped the initial dose.
Environmental control includes washing clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and drying on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuuming carpets and upholstery reduces the risk of re‑infestation.
In summary, a protocol combining an appropriate pediculicide, disciplined nit combing, optional oil treatment, a repeat dose, and thorough cleaning of personal items constitutes the most reliable approach to eradicate head lice and their ova.