Read the label to make sure that you have a lice comb. This type of comb will have tooth spacing of 0. 2-0. 3mm in order to capture the smallest lice. It may also be black to help you more effectively identify individual louse. Avoid getting a nit comb, because they often cannot detect individual louse or lice as well as lice combs. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Remember that regular combs are also not suitable for detecting lice. They don’t effectively detect lice and might even reintroduce lice back into your hair. [4] X Research source
Consider wrapping a towel around your shoulders to catch falling hair that may have lice. This may keep lice from transferring to other people or areas of your home. Throw away the comb after using it to prevent re-infestation or transmission to another person. Wash and dry the towel by itself on the hottest settings possible to prevent transmission or re-infestation.
Use clips or hair bands to create individual sections. Remove the clips or bands before you comb a new section. Make sure to throw away any hair bands and sterilize clips after use to prevent re-infestation or transmission to others.
Comb each section of hair from the scalp to the end three to four times. Repeated combing can ensure you effectively detect any lice in your hair. Be aware that lice will quickly move away from any disturbance in dry hair. Wet lice remain still, which is why wet combing may be more effective at detecting lice. [7] X Research source
Examine hair under a bright light or with a magnifying glass to best see any lice. Trap lice that you find between your thumb and the comb. This prevents the louse from getting free or static electricity from your hair from repelling it. Put the louse on a piece of tape and then throw it away to prevent transferring lice to another person.
Take steps to treat the lice infestation as soon as you confirmation an active case.
Permethrin, in products such as Nix Pyrethrin with additives, in products such as Rid and A-200 Lice Killing Benzyl alcohol, in prescription products such as Ulesfia Malathion, in prescription products such as Ovide[11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Wet hair with water and apply hair conditioner for easier combing. Section off the hair and run the comb over the length of each section at least twice. Wipe the comb clean with a tissue and run it through hot water after you’ve combed each section. [12] X Trustworthy Source University of California Integrated Pest Management Program Research-based pest management program run by the University of California’s Cooperative Extension Go to source Repeat wet-combing every three to four days for several weeks or until you don’t see any lice.
Choose an essential oil sold at a health food store, pharmacy, or even your grocery store. Some essential oils that can kill lice are tea tree oil, anise oil, ylang ylang. Other options include neroli, ginger, jasmine, and lavender. Mix about 50 drops of your oil with 4 tablespoons vegetable oil. Apply the oil mixture to your entire head and cover with a plastic shower cap. After this, wrap your head with a towel for an hour before shampooing to remove lice. [13] X Research source
Use mayonnaise, butter, petroleum jelly, or olive oil to smother lice. Make sure to coat your entire head with your chosen product. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on overnight. In the morning, remove the product with baby oil. Then shampoo and thoroughly rinse your hair. [14] X Research source Repeat the process until you can’t find any lice.
Wash fabrics including bedding, towels, clothing, and stuffed animals in hot and soapy water. Set your washer to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (or 54. 4 degrees Celsius). Wash personal care items like brushes and combs in hot, soapy water. Soak the item for 5-10 minutes. Then dry the item thoroughly with a tissue or paper towel. Seal non-washable items in a plastic bag for two weeks. This can deprive the lice of air and kill them. Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture. Throw away the vacuum bag or clean the filter when you are finished to prevent re-infestation.
