What to do if lice have infested the head? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide treatment and comb out nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb, repeating after 7–10 days. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
What to do if lice have infested the head? - in detail
Lice infestation of the scalp requires swift, systematic action.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits by parting hair close to the scalp and examining the roots with a fine-toothed comb. Remove visible specimens with tweezers and note the severity of the outbreak.
Next, apply an approved pediculicide according to the product label. Recommended active ingredients include permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin‑based formulations. Follow these guidelines:
- Apply the lotion or shampoo to dry hair, saturating the scalp and hair shafts.
- Leave the preparation on the scalp for the specified duration, typically 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
In parallel, use a metal nit comb to mechanically remove eggs and residual insects. Perform combing sessions as follows:
- Divide hair into sections.
- Run the comb from scalp to tip in a single, steady motion.
- Wipe the comb after each pass to prevent re‑transfer.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk. Execute these measures:
- Wash all worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for at least two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as hats, brushes, or headphones until the infestation is cleared.
Finally, monitor the scalp for at least four weeks. Conduct visual inspections twice weekly; if live lice reappear, repeat the chemical treatment and combing protocol. Document treatment dates to ensure adherence to the repeat‑application schedule.