Home remedies for nits in hair

Nits are lice eggs attached firmly to individual hairs close to the scalp. Dandruff and product residue usually slide away more easily. Itching can occur with head lice, but finding an egg alone does not prove that live lice remain; look for crawling lice with a fine-toothed comb. Itching worse at night can have other causes too.

Wet the hair, apply conditioner and divide it into small sections. Comb from the scalp to the ends with a fine lice comb, wiping the comb after each pass. Repeat the checks and combing on a regular schedule advised by a pharmacist or clinician. Wash recently used pillowcases, towels and clothing, and soak combs and brushes in hot water; avoid fumigating rooms or spraying furniture. Do not use kerosene, insecticide meant for surfaces, mayonnaise or essential oils on the scalp. Check close household contacts and treat confirmed live lice according to product instructions.

Arrange a GP or pharmacist assessment if you cannot tell whether the particles are nits, live lice remain after correct treatment, or the scalp has sores, pus or marked inflammation. Seek advice before treatment for a young child, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies or a scalp condition. Urgent care is needed for breathing difficulty or facial swelling after a lice product.

Ask how to confirm live lice, which treatment suits your age and health, when it should be repeated, and how to manage itching or broken skin. Bring the product used and describe the combing routine.