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How to Lose Head Lice

If you come into contact with an infected person, you may find yourself battling a lice infestation. Head lice are highly contagious parasites that are spread from direct contact with infected people. They infest the head and neck; attaching their eggs the base and shaft of the hair and feeding on the blood in the scalp. Lice are persistent parasites, and getting rid of an infestation requires patience and determination.

Things You'll Need

  • Removal by hand:
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Nit comb
  • Light
  • Removal with pediculicide:
  • Pediculicide (lice medication)
  • Removal from the home:
  • Laundry detergent
  • Airtight plastic bag
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Small container
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Instructions

  1. Removal By Hand

    • 1

      Shampoo and condition the infected person's hair. Sit the infected person directly under the light.

    • 2

      Start at the nape of the neck and part and comb the hair. Continue up the head, parting and combing the hair to remove the lice and nits (eggs). Rinse the comb in hot water after each combing.

    • 3

      Recheck the hair every two to three days for lice and eggs. Remove any nits and lice you see. Continue to do so for two to three weeks. Contact a medical professional if you still see lice after two weeks of treatment.

    Removal with Pediculicide

    • 4

      Remove the infested person's clothing. Apply the pediculicide according to the instructions. Do not wash the hair before applying the medicine. Have the person put on clean clothing.

    • 5

      Wait 8 to 12 hours and check the scalp and hair for lice. See if the live lice are moving slowly. Stop treatment and seek medical advice if you do not notice slow-moving lice; otherwise continue treatment.

    • 6

      Use the nit comb to comb the dead lice and nits from the hair. Repeat the treatment in two to three days and again on the ninth day. Continue to check the hair every two to three days for a two- to three-week period.

    Removal from the Home

    • 7

      Wash the infected person's linens, clothing he wore before treatment and items that were on his bed, such as toys, in extremely hot water. Place the items in the dryer on the hottest heat setting for 20 minutes.

    • 8

      Dry clean any items that are not machine washable. Alternatively, place the items in an airtight bag for two weeks.

    • 9

      Vacuum the carpets and any upholstered furniture in the home and car.

      Submerge hair utensils and accessories in rubbing alcohol or medicated shampoo. Allow the items to soak for one hour.

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