What treatments help get rid of lice? - briefly
Pediculicide shampoos containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% malathion, applied according to label directions, eradicate live lice. Complementary methods such as dimethicone lotions, wet‑combing with a fine‑toothed comb, and a repeat treatment after 7–10 days target nits and prevent reinfestation.
What treatments help get rid of lice? - in detail
Effective lice eradication relies on a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental strategies.
Over‑the‑counter pediculicides contain dimethicone, pyrethrins, or permethrin. Dimethicone works by coating the insects, causing suffocation, and retains activity despite reported resistance to pyrethroids. Permethrin and pyrethrins disrupt nervous function but may be less reliable where resistance is documented. Application follows manufacturer directions: apply to damp hair, leave for the specified duration, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat treatment after seven to ten days to target hatching nymphs.
Prescription options include malathion (0.5 % lotion) and ivermectin (topical or oral). Malathion is a potent organophosphate that kills both adults and nymphs; it requires a minimum of eight hours of contact before washing. Oral ivermectin, taken as a single dose of 200 µg/kg, offers systemic action and is useful for extensive infestations or when topical agents fail.
Mechanical removal complements chemical measures. A fine‑toothed nit comb, used on wet, conditioned hair, physically extracts lice and eggs. Systematic combing from scalp to tip, repeated every three days for two weeks, eliminates residual organisms. Manual removal of visible nymphs with tweezers can be effective for small populations.
Thermal methods employ devices that blow heated air (approximately 50 °C) through the hair for several minutes, destroying lice and their eggs without chemicals. Success depends on maintaining consistent temperature and thorough coverage of the scalp.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk. Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in water ≥ 60 °C or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks. Non‑washable items may be placed in a freezer at –18 °C for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstery to capture stray insects.
Adjunctive measures include avoiding head‑to‑head contact, not sharing personal items, and informing close contacts to initiate preventive treatment if symptoms appear. Combining a suitable pediculicide with diligent combing and proper sanitation yields the highest clearance rate.