What to do when lice appear? - briefly
Immediately apply an approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion and comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to eliminate live insects and nits. Repeat the treatment and combing after 7–10 days to confirm total eradication.
What to do when lice appear? - in detail
When live insects are found in the hair, act promptly to stop spreading. First, isolate the affected person to prevent contact with others until treatment begins. Remove any items that touch the scalp—hats, scarves, hair accessories—and place them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours.
Begin treatment with an approved pediculicide. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left on for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin‑based products combined with a piperonyl butoxide synergist, following the same timing.
- Prescription‑only agents such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion for resistant cases.
Apply the chosen product exactly as the label directs; do not exceed the recommended concentration or exposure time. After rinsing, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet hair, moving from scalp to ends. Divide the head into sections and comb each section multiple times, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing process for at least 7 days to capture newly hatched nymphs.
In parallel, decontaminate the environment. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
Schedule a follow‑up examination 7–10 days after the initial treatment. Confirm the absence of live insects and nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp. If any remain, repeat the pediculicide application according to the product’s guidance, or consider an alternative medication.
To reduce future incidents, advise regular head checks, especially after group activities. Keep hair tied back for young children, avoid sharing personal items, and educate caregivers about early detection. These measures together provide a comprehensive response to a lice infestation.