What should you wash the head with to remove lice? - briefly
Treat the scalp with a pediculicidal shampoo—typically 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin—apply according to the label, rinse, and then remove any remaining nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb.
What should you wash the head with to remove lice? - in detail
To eliminate head lice, the scalp must be treated with a lice‑killing formulation rather than ordinary shampoo. Effective options fall into two categories: chemical pediculicides and physical suffocants.
Chemical pediculicides
- Permethrin 1 % – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Pyrethrin combined with piperonyl‑butoxide – similar use to permethrin; not recommended for children under 2 months.
- Malathion 0.5 % – applied to wet hair, left for 8–12 hours, then washed out; suitable for resistant infestations.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat in 7 days.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion – single application, left for 10 minutes; safe for children over 6 months.
- Spinosad 0.9 % – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes; repeat after 7 days.
Physical suffocants
- Dimethicone or silicone‑based lotions – coat eggs and nymphs, left for at least 10 minutes, then combed out.
- Oil‑based treatments (e.g., mineral oil, coconut oil) – applied liberally, covered with a shower cap for 30 minutes, followed by thorough combing.
Procedure
- Separate hair into sections.
- Apply the chosen product according to label instructions, ensuring complete coverage of scalp and hair shafts.
- Allow the specified contact time; do not rinse prematurely.
- Rinse hair with warm water, then dry.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet hair to remove dead lice and eggs.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target any newly hatched nymphs.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
Select a formulation based on age, resistance patterns, and any allergy history. Follow manufacturer directions precisely to maximize efficacy and minimize adverse reactions.