Ways to Get Rid of Lice

The main ways to get rid of head lice are a suitable lice treatment, careful combing, and checking close contacts. Follow the product directions exactly, because some treatments need a repeat application to deal with newly hatched lice. A fine-toothed wet comb can help remove live lice and nits from the hair. Treating only one person while an untreated household contact still has live lice can lead to reinfestation.

Head lice are small insects that live close to the scalp and feed on blood. Nits are their eggs, usually attached firmly to individual hairs near the scalp. An itchy scalp is common, but itching can continue for a short time after successful treatment because the skin may remain irritated. Finding a live crawling louse is more useful for confirming an active infestation than seeing an empty nit shell. Lice spread mainly through direct hair-to-hair contact; they do not jump or fly.

Combing is both a treatment option and a way to check progress. Wet the hair, add conditioner, separate it into small sections, and draw a fine nit comb from the roots to the ends. Wipe or rinse the comb after each pass. Continue checks at regular intervals until no live lice are found.

Check everyone who has had close head contact with the affected person, using good lighting and a fine comb where needed. Use a pharmacy or clinician-recommended treatment on people with live lice, and do not combine different lice medicines unless a clinician tells you to. Protect the eyes, use the amount stated on the label, and keep the product away from broken or inflamed skin.

Wash or change recently used pillowcases, hats, scarves, hair accessories, and towels. Soak combs and brushes in hot water, and place items that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for a period advised by a pharmacist. Extensive household spraying is unnecessary and can irritate the skin or lungs. Avoid relying on kerosene, insecticide products meant for surfaces, or essential oils as substitutes for an appropriate treatment.

Arrange a GP consultation if you are unsure that the finding is head lice, if live lice remain after correctly following a treatment, or if the scalp becomes sore, crusted, swollen, or oozes. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis, review possible reinfestation, and recommend another option when a product is unsuitable. Seek advice before treating a young child, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when the scalp has eczema, open sores, or another skin condition.

Urgent assessment is appropriate if a child has a rapidly worsening scalp infection, significant swelling around the face or neck, or appears unwell. Persistent night-time itching without visible lice can have other causes and deserves an assessment rather than repeated lice treatments.

Ask whether live lice are present, which treatment suits your age and scalp condition, whether and when it should be repeated, and how to check household contacts. You can also ask how long itching may persist after treatment and what signs would suggest a secondary skin infection.