What should be used to wash the head for lice prevention? - briefly
A medicated lice‑treatment shampoo, such as 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin, should be applied to the scalp and rinsed thoroughly. After washing, use a fine‑tooth comb to remove any remaining nits.
What should be used to wash the head for lice prevention? - in detail
Effective head washing for lice prevention requires specific agents and proper technique. Plain shampoo removes dirt but does not reliably kill nits; therefore, products with proven insecticidal activity are recommended.
- Permethrin‑based shampoos (1 % concentration). Applied to wet hair, left for the manufacturer‑specified time, then rinsed thoroughly. Permethrin disrupts nerve function in lice, leading to rapid mortality.
- Pyrethrin formulations. Often combined with piperonyl‑butoxide to enhance efficacy. Use according to label instructions, ensuring complete coverage of scalp and hair shafts.
- Tea tree oil (5‑10 % in carrier). Exhibits repellent and ovicidal properties. Dilute with a neutral shampoo, apply, and leave for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
- Neem oil (2‑3 % in shampoo). Contains azadirachtin, which interferes with lice development. Incorporate into regular washing routine, allowing sufficient contact time.
- Vinegar rinse (5 % acetic acid). Post‑shampoo rinse helps loosen nits from hair shafts, facilitating removal with a fine‑toothed comb.
Technique matters as much as product choice. Apply the selected shampoo to thoroughly saturated hair, massage into the scalp, and maintain contact for the full duration indicated on the label. Follow with a meticulous combing session using a nit comb, moving from scalp outward in 1‑inch sections. Rinse hair with water at least 90 °F (32 °C) to increase lethality of the agents. After washing, clean combs, brushes, and any hair accessories with hot, soapy water, then dry at high temperature.
Regular implementation—washing every 2–3 days during an outbreak and weekly thereafter—combined with the above agents, substantially lowers the risk of infestation and limits the survival of any remaining nits.