What types of lice exist and how can you get rid of them? - briefly
«Head, body and pubic lice are the three human‑infesting species; head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) inhabit scalp hair, body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) reside in clothing, and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) attach to genital hair». Effective control combines a pediculicide such as 1 % permethrin or ivermectin with thorough combing, and eliminates infestation sources by washing garments and bedding at ≥60 °C, drying on high heat, or sealing items for two weeks.
What types of lice exist and how can you get rid of them? - in detail
Lice are obligate ectoparasites that infest humans and certain animals. Three primary species affect people: head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis), and pubic louse (Pthirus pubis). Each species exhibits distinct morphology, preferred habitat, and transmission routes.
Head lice reside on the scalp, attaching their eggs (nits) to hair shafts near the scalp. Infestation spreads through direct head‑to‑head contact or sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or pillows. Body lice live in clothing seams and move to the skin only to feed, thriving in conditions of poor hygiene and overcrowding. Transmission occurs via contaminated clothing or bedding. Pubic lice inhabit the coarse hair of the genital region, perianal area, and sometimes facial hair, passing primarily through sexual contact or close skin‑to‑skin interaction.
Effective eradication requires a two‑step approach: chemical or physical treatment to eliminate live insects, followed by removal of residual eggs. Recommended options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin combined with piperonyl butoxide; apply to dry hair, leave for the specified duration, then rinse.
- Prescription agents such as ivermectin lotion (0.5 %) for resistant cases; follow medical guidance for dosage and repeat application after 7–10 days.
- Mechanical removal using a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair; comb from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass.
- Laundry protocol for clothing‑borne lice: wash garments and bedding at ≥ 60 °C, tumble‑dry on high heat, or seal items in plastic for two weeks to starve lice.
- Environmental decontamination: vacuum carpets and upholstery, discard or isolate items that cannot be laundered.
Re‑treatment is essential because nits hatch within 7–10 days. A second application of the chosen pediculicide, timed to coincide with hatching, prevents resurgence. Regular inspection of the scalp and body for live lice or viable nits should continue for at least four weeks after initial clearance.
Prevention focuses on minimizing direct contact and maintaining personal hygiene. Avoid sharing headgear, towels, or clothing; encourage regular washing of garments in hot water; and educate on early detection to reduce spread.