What should you do if you have been unable to eliminate lice for a long time? - briefly
Consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength pediculicide and follow a strict retreatment schedule, while washing all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water. Ensure a thorough inspection of all household members and repeat treatment after 7‑10 days to eradicate any surviving nits.
What should you do if you have been unable to eliminate lice for a long time? - in detail
Persistent lice infestation requires a systematic approach that combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures. First, verify the presence of live insects and viable nits using a fine-toothed comb on a well‑lit scalp. Accurate identification prevents unnecessary treatments and confirms that the problem remains active.
Apply an approved pediculicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring coverage of the entire scalp and hair shaft. Use a product containing a proven active ingredient such as permethrin 1 % or dimethicone; avoid formulations that have shown widespread resistance. After the recommended exposure time, rinse thoroughly and dry the hair.
Repeat the chemical treatment after seven to ten days, targeting newly hatched lice that survived the first application. This interval aligns with the life cycle of the parasite and eliminates emerging insects before they mature.
Mechanical removal remains essential. Perform daily combing for at least ten minutes with a fine‑toothed nit comb, focusing on the nape and behind the ears. Discard each combed section of hair to prevent re‑infestation. Continue this routine for two weeks to eliminate residual nits.
Environmental decontamination reduces the risk of re‑infection. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or exposed to direct sunlight for several hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats to remove stray hairs that may contain nits.
Treat all close contacts simultaneously. Family members, classmates, and anyone who shared personal items should undergo the same chemical and mechanical protocol, even if asymptomatic. Sharing of combs, hats, or headphones must cease until the infestation is cleared.
If the infestation persists after two complete treatment cycles, seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can prescribe prescription‑strength agents such as malathion or ivermectin and assess for potential resistance. Laboratory confirmation of resistance may guide the selection of an alternative therapy.
Document each step, noting dates of treatment, products used, and outcomes of combing sessions. Regular monitoring enables early detection of any resurgence and informs timely intervention.