How to Treat Lice in Hair

Head lice are a common problem, especially among school-age children. These tiny insects are highly contagious in close contact. Lice invade the body and the head. As parasites, they feed on the blood and live on your scalp. Symptoms include intense itching and a tickling scalp. The adult insects are noticeable behind your ears and at the nape of the neck. The lice eggs usually appear near the hair follicles. There are several effective ways to treat lice in the hair.

Things You'll Need

• Nit comb
• Lice shampoo

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Instructions

• 1

  Wet the hair thoroughly under a faucet or showerhead. Comb the hair with a nit comb to physically remove the lice. This is an effective way of getting rid of lice without using insecticides on the hair. Repeat this step every three to four days for a minimum of two weeks.

• 2

  Wash hair with shampoos containing either pyrethrin or permethrin. These two chemicals kill lice. Follow directions precisely. It is important to rewash the hair with the lice shampoo about nine days later to kill any new lice that may have hatched. Also remember not to use conditioner on the hair, reports the Centers for Disease Control. The conditioner acts as a barrier to the shampoo, impeding its effectiveness in killing the lice.

• 3

  See a doctor for stubborn head lice. If a nit comb doesn't work and the lice shampoo has proven ineffective, see a doctor to get prescription shampoos or lotions. These are stronger insecticides and are effective against lice that are resistant to over-the-counter shampoos.