Lice infestations are most commonly caused by person to person contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Head lice nest on the scalp and eggs and lay eggs that attach to the hair shafts. Lice infestation is the second most common communicable diseases among school age children next to the common cold, according to the MayoClinic.com. To get rid of a lice infestation, you need to treat the head with medication and remove lice and their eggs found on all surfaces.
Step 1
Check the heads of all members of the household. Since lice can be easily spread, the scalp and hair shafts should be closely examined for evidence of lice or their eggs.
Step 2
Treat all infested individuals in the household. If members of the family share a bed with an infested person, they should also be treated. Over-the-counter lice shampoos that contain either pyrethrin or permethrin are applied directly to the head to kill lice and their eggs.
Step 3
Use a fine tooth comb to remove eggs from the infected person's hair. Comb each section while the hair is damp. The MayoClinic.com recommends that you repeat combing the hair every three to four days for a minimum of two weeks. If lice are found alive during combing, you may need to repeat an application of the insecticide shampoo.
Step 4
Wash all clothing, toys and bedding in very hot water. The high heat setting for both the washer and dryer should be used to treat a lice infestation. If certain bedding, clothing or toys can not be washed or dried, leave them in a sealed plastic bag, the CDC recommends.
Step 5
Soak combs, hair accessories and brushed in hot water. Leave them in the water for a minimum of five minutes.
Step 6
Vacuum the carpets and furniture to remove lice and eggs. The seating area in the car should also be vacuumed.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are unable to treat lice infestation with over-the-counter shampoos, prescription treatments are available. Examples include malathion or lindane shampoos and benzoyl alcohol lotion. Consult your doctor before you use insecticide shampoos on toddlers or babies. He may prefer that you get rid of the lice by combing the child's hair.
Things You'll Need
- Lice shampoo
- Nit comb
- Hot water
