What types of lice are there and how to get rid of them? - briefly
The principal human lice are head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis). Eradication requires meticulous combing with a fine-toothed lice comb and application of approved topical insecticides such as permethrin or pyrethrin, together with laundering clothing and bedding at high temperatures.
What types of lice are there and how to get rid of them? - in detail
Lice infestations involve three primary species that affect humans. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) reside on scalp hair, laying eggs (nits) close to the scalp. Body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) live in clothing seams and move to the skin to feed, often indicating poor hygiene or crowded living conditions. Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis), commonly called crabs, attach to coarse body hair in the genital area, perianal region, or facial hair. Occasionally, other lice such as bird or animal species may bite humans, but they do not establish long‑term colonies.
Effective eradication combines direct removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
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Mechanical methods
• Fine‑tooth combs applied to wet, conditioned hair remove live insects and nits; repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
• Manual extraction of body lice from clothing using tweezers or a lint roller. -
Topical pediculicides
• Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7–10 days to target newly hatched lice.
• Pyrethrin‑based products combined with piperonyl butoxide for resistant strains; follow label instructions precisely.
• Malathion 0.5 % for cases unresponsive to first‑line agents; avoid in children under 6 months. -
Prescription options
• Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion applied for 10 minutes, then washed off; effective against both head and pubic lice.
• Oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) in a single dose for severe infestations or confirmed resistance. -
Environmental measures
• Wash bedding, clothing, and towels at ≥60 °C, then dry on high heat; items that cannot be heated should be sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove detached nits.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or clothing.
Monitoring continues for at least four weeks after treatment. Persistent detection of live lice or viable nits warrants repeat application of the chosen pediculicide or a switch to an alternative class. Resistance patterns differ geographically; clinicians should consider local susceptibility data when selecting therapy. Preventive advice includes regular hair inspections in school settings, maintaining personal hygiene, and discouraging head‑to‑head contact during activities.