Home remedies to get rid of lice

Wet-combing with a fine-toothed lice comb can remove live lice and nits, but many household remedies are unreliable or may irritate the scalp. Apply conditioner to damp hair, divide it into small sections, and draw the comb from the scalp to the ends. Wipe the comb after each pass and repeat the process regularly over the following days so newly hatched lice are not missed.

Head lice are small insects that live close to the scalp and feed on blood. Their eggs, called nits, are attached firmly to individual hairs, often near the scalp. Itching can take time to appear, so the absence of itching does not rule out an infestation. Lice spread mainly through close hair-to-hair contact; they do not jump or fly. Finding a live crawling louse is more useful than seeing a loose flake or an old empty nit.

Check everyone in the household with bright light, paying attention behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Treat only people with live lice or clearly viable nits according to advice from a pharmacist or clinician. Do not use kerosene, insect sprays, bleach, essential oils, mayonnaise or other substances that can burn the scalp or be inhaled. Wash recently used pillowcases, towels and clothing, and soak combs and brushes in hot water. Extensive deep cleaning is unnecessary because lice survive poorly away from the scalp. Avoid sharing combs, hats and hair accessories until the infestation is controlled, and check close contacts again.

Speak with a pharmacist or doctor if live lice remain after careful wet-combing, if a recommended product has not worked as directed, or if treatment choices are unclear for a young child, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Arrange medical advice if scratching has caused sores, crusting, swelling or pus, since broken skin can become infected. Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening redness, marked pain, fever or swelling around the eyes.

Ask which treatment is suitable for the person's age, how long it should remain on the hair, when it should be repeated, and how to confirm that the infestation has cleared. Mention any scalp condition, allergies or previous treatment, and ask what to do if live lice are still found after the planned course.