What to do if lice appear and how to treat them? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved lice treatment to the scalp, follow the label’s timing, and comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water, vacuum the living area, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any remaining eggs.
What to do if lice appear and how to treat them? - in detail
When live lice are discovered on a person’s scalp, immediate action prevents further spread.
- Isolate the affected individual to avoid contact with others until treatment begins.
- Examine the entire head with a fine‑tooth comb, pulling hair away from the scalp to locate insects and eggs.
- Record the number of live insects and nits found; this guides treatment intensity.
Chemical treatments
- Use a pediculicide approved by health authorities (e.g., permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based lotion). Apply exactly as instructed, leaving the product on the scalp for the specified time before rinsing.
- For resistant infestations, a prescription neurotoxic agent such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion may be required. Follow the prescriber’s dosage schedule, typically a repeat application after 7–10 days.
Mechanical removal
- After chemical treatment, comb the wet hair with a nit‑comb at 2‑mm intervals, starting at the crown and working outward.
- Perform combing sessions every 2–3 days for two weeks to eliminate newly hatched lice.
Environmental control
- Wash all clothing, bedding, 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 at least 48 hours; lice cannot survive without a host beyond this period.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray insects.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect the scalp 7 days after the first treatment. If live lice persist, repeat the chosen pediculicide or switch to an alternative class.
- Conduct a final check 14 days post‑treatment; absence of live insects and nits confirms success.
Special considerations
- Children under 2 years of age should not receive permethrin; consult a pediatrician for age‑appropriate options.
- Pregnant or nursing individuals require medical advice before using neurotoxic agents.
- Allergic reactions to topical agents mandate immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation.
By combining prompt chemical or prescription therapy, thorough nit removal, and rigorous cleaning of personal items, an infestation can be eradicated efficiently and prevent recurrence.