What should you know about nit treatment at home?

Nits are lice eggs attached firmly near the base of a hair, while dandruff and lint usually slide away. Finding an empty or old shell does not always prove that live lice remain, so look for crawling lice close to the scalp. Head lice spread mainly through direct hair-to-hair contact. An itchy scalp is common, but some people have little or no itch at first.

Check the scalp in bright light, sectioning damp hair and using a fine-toothed nit comb from the roots to the ends. Wipe or rinse the comb after each pass. If live lice are present, choose a product suitable for the person’s age and follow its label for application, rinsing, and repeat treatment. Do not mix products or apply extra doses. Check household members and close contacts, wash recently used bedding and clothing, and soak combs and brushes in hot water. Avoid fumigating the home or using unapproved substances.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician for help if live lice remain after correctly following the product directions, the scalp is raw or infected, or the person is very young, pregnant, or has a treatment allergy. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing trouble, widespread hives, or severe vomiting after a product. Persistent itching after lice are gone may have another cause.

How can I distinguish live lice from old nits? Which product suits this age and hair type? When should treatment be repeated, and how should I comb between applications? What should close contacts do?