With what are body lice removed? - briefly
Body lice are eliminated with topical insecticidal agents, typically 1 % permethrin cream or 0.5 % malathion lotion, and, if oral therapy is required, a single dose of ivermectin. Effective control also demands washing all clothing and bedding in hot water or dry‑cleaning them.
With what are body lice removed? - in detail
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are eradicated through a combination of chemical, physical, and environmental interventions.
Chemical agents applied directly to the skin or clothing include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – applied to the entire body, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; effective against susceptible populations.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % cream – single application, repeat after 7 days if live lice remain; useful for permethrin‑resistant infestations.
- Malathion 0.5 % lotion – applied for 8–12 hours, then washed off; requires caution in individuals with skin sensitivity.
- Lindane 1 % shampoo – single use; limited by neurotoxic risk, reserved for refractory cases.
- Spinosad 0.9 % lotion – single application, no repeat needed; low resistance potential.
Physical methods focus on eliminating the insects and their eggs from the host’s environment:
- Hot water washing – garments, bedding, and towels washed at ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 10 minutes.
- High‑heat drying – tumble dryer on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Dry cleaning – effective for items that cannot be laundered.
- Steam cleaning – upholstery, mattresses, and carpets treated with steam exceeding 100 °C.
Manual removal involves:
- Fine‑toothed combs – used on damp skin to extract live lice and nits; repeated daily for 7 days.
- Forceps – for isolated nits in hard‑to‑reach areas.
Environmental control measures:
- Isolation of infested clothing – sealed in plastic bags for 72 hours to starve lice.
- Vacuuming – carpets, furniture, and vehicle interiors vacuumed and disposed of promptly.
- Disinfection of personal items – combs, brushes, and clothing accessories immersed in hot water or treated with insecticidal spray.
Treatment protocols typically combine a topical insecticide with thorough laundering and environmental sanitation to prevent reinfestation. Monitoring for treatment failure and resistance patterns guides the selection of alternative agents.