When will lice go away?

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When will lice go away? - briefly
Effective treatment usually eliminates a head‑lice infestation within 7–10 days, and any surviving insects die within 24–48 hours after the host is cleared.

When will lice go away? - in detail
Lice infestations disappear when the entire population of insects and their eggs have been eliminated and re‑infestation is prevented. The process depends on the biology of the parasite, the effectiveness of treatment, and environmental control.
The life cycle of head lice consists of three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. An adult female lays about 6–10 eggs each day. Eggs hatch in 7–10 days, and nymphs mature into reproductive adults after another 7–10 days. Consequently, a complete cycle lasts roughly 2–3 weeks. Any treatment must therefore cover at least this period to ensure that newly hatched nymphs are also destroyed.
Effective eradication follows a structured approach:

Immediate chemical or mechanical therapy

Apply a pediculicide (e.g., permethrin 1 % or dimethicone) according to label instructions.
Comb hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb after treatment; repeat combing every 2–3 days for at least 10 days.
If resistance is suspected, switch to an alternative agent or use a silicone‑based product.

Repeated dosing

Perform a second application 7–10 days after the first to kill any eggs that survived the initial exposure.
Follow the same combing schedule after the second dose.

Environmental sanitation

Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs containing nits.

Monitoring and prevention

Inspect all household members and close contacts every 2–3 days for at least three weeks.
Educate about avoiding head‑to‑head contact and not sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones.
Implement routine weekly comb checks during the outbreak period.

If all steps are executed correctly, the infestation typically resolves within 2–3 weeks after the first treatment. Persistent cases may require professional medical evaluation to rule out resistant strains or secondary skin infection. Continuous adherence to the outlined schedule is essential for a definitive outcome.