What should you do about lice at home? - briefly
Check all household members, treat the infested person with an FDA‑approved lice medication, and comb out nits using a fine‑toothed nit comb. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
What should you do about lice at home? - in detail
Lice infestations require swift, systematic action to eliminate parasites and prevent re‑infestation. Begin with accurate detection: examine scalp and hair under bright light, using a fine‑toothed comb to locate live insects and viable eggs (nits) within ¼ inch of the scalp. Confirm presence before proceeding to treatment.
Apply an approved pediculicide according to the product’s instructions. Recommended options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone‑based cream, applied to wet hair, left for 30 minutes, then washed out.
- Malathion 0.5 % lotion, applied to dry hair, left for 8–12 hours, then rinsed.
Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nits that survived the first application.
Simultaneously cleanse the environment:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the preceding 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
- Soak combs and brushes in hot water (≥ 130 °F) for 10 minutes, then scrub.
Conduct meticulous combing sessions every 2–3 days for two weeks using a fine nit comb. Remove each egg and insect manually, wiping the comb after each pass.
Monitor all household members; treat anyone with confirmed infestation, even if asymptomatic, to break the transmission cycle.
Maintain preventive measures:
- Instruct children to avoid head‑to‑head contact and sharing of hats, hair accessories, or personal care items.
- Encourage regular hair inspections, especially after group activities.
- Keep personal belongings separate and stored in individual containers.
Document the timeline of treatments and observations. If infestations persist after two full cycles of pediculicide use, consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapies or prescription‑strength options.