What should I do if there are nits but no lice? - briefly
Remove the nits with a fine‑toothed comb and launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water. Continue daily inspections for two weeks to confirm that no live insects appear.
What should I do if there are nits but no lice? - in detail
Nits are the eggs of head‑lice and can be seen attached to hair shafts even when no adult insects are present. Their detection requires a fine‑tooth comb or a magnifying lens; if you are certain that only eggs remain, take the following actions.
- Confirm the absence of live lice. Examine the scalp and hair in bright light, using a lice‑comb to pull out any moving insects. A single adult or nymph confirms an active infestation; none indicates a residual egg situation.
- Remove all eggs mechanically. Wet the hair, apply a slip‑conditioner, and comb from the scalp outward with a fine‑tooth (nit) comb. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks, discarding the comb after each pass to prevent re‑depositing eggs.
- Apply a pediculicide if needed. Even without visible lice, a single dose of an FDA‑approved treatment (e.g., permethrin 1% or dimethicone) eliminates any hidden nymphs that may have hatched since the last inspection. Follow the product’s instructions precisely; avoid over‑application.
- Sanitize personal items. Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water (≥130 °F) for at least 10 minutes. Place non‑washable items (hats, pillowcases, bedding) in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours, or launder them on the hottest cycle the fabric tolerates.
- Monitor for recurrence. Conduct daily inspections for at least 14 days. If new nits appear, repeat the mechanical removal and consider a second treatment cycle after 7 days, as recommended for most pediculicides.
- Educate contacts. Inform family members, classmates, or close contacts of the situation so they can check their own hair and avoid re‑infestation.
Following this protocol eliminates residual eggs, prevents hatchlings, and reduces the risk of a full‑blown outbreak.