What should I do if I have lice in my hair? - briefly
Use an FDA‑approved lice treatment shampoo or lotion, apply it exactly as instructed, and comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days and launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water to stop recurrence.
What should I do if I have lice in my hair? - in detail
If live insects are found on the scalp, begin treatment promptly to stop reproduction and spread.
First, confirm the infestation. Use a fine-tooth comb on damp hair, starting at the roots and moving toward the tips. Examine the comb for adult insects, which are about 2–3 mm long and brown, and for tiny, oval nits attached to hair shafts within a quarter‑inch of the scalp.
Next, select a suitable eradication method.
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply according to the product label, leave the preparation on the hair for the prescribed time, then rinse thoroughly.
- Prescription agents – malathion 0.5 % lotion, ivermectin 0.5 % lotion, or benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion for cases resistant to OTC treatments. Obtain these from a healthcare professional and follow exact instructions.
- Mechanical removal – after chemical treatment, comb the hair with a fine-tooth nit comb at 2‑day intervals for at least 10 days. This eliminates surviving nits and hatches.
Simultaneously, decontaminate personal items and the environment.
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed animals) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks; lice cannot survive without a host for longer than 48 hours.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately.
Monitor for reinfestation. Perform a thorough comb check every 2–3 days for two weeks after the initial treatment. If live insects are still present after the second application of a pediculicide, repeat the treatment or consult a medical provider for alternative therapy.
Prevent future occurrences by educating household members on avoiding head‑to‑head contact, not sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones, and conducting regular scalp inspections, especially after group activities.
Adhering to this systematic approach eliminates the current problem and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.