What should you do if you have lice on your head? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion, follow the label’s timing instructions, and then use a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove all live insects and eggs. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to prevent reinfestation.
What should you do if you have lice on your head? - in detail
If you discover head‑lice infestation, begin with a precise identification. Examine the scalp under bright light, looking for live insects about the size of a sesame seed and their oval, white eggs (nits) attached close to the hair shaft. Use a fine‑tooth lice comb to separate any visible specimens.
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Choose an approved treatment. Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are first‑line options. Follow the product label exactly: apply to dry hair, leave for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly. For resistance concerns or allergy, a prescription lotion with 0.05 % ivermectin may be used under medical supervision.
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After the initial application, repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched nymphs that survived the first dose. Do not exceed the recommended number of repetitions.
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Comb the hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb while the hair is still damp. Work from scalp to tip in sections, cleaning the comb after each pass with hot water. Perform this combing daily for at least a week.
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Decontaminate personal items. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours.
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Clean the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats. Soak hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes. Discard hair‑spray cans and other aerosol products, as they are ineffective against lice.
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Monitor for recurrence. Inspect the scalp and hair every 2–3 days for the next three weeks. If live insects persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative regimens, such as malathion lotion or oral ivermectin.
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Prevent re‑infestation. Advise all close contacts—family members, classmates, caregivers—to examine their hair and, if needed, undergo simultaneous treatment. Avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or bedding.
Following these steps systematically eliminates the infestation, minimizes the risk of spread, and reduces the likelihood of a repeat episode.