How to Remove Lice Nits
Nits are the eggs of head lice and can hatch and develop into a full blown case of head lice if they are not removed before they hatch. They are usually clear, white, brown or black and are not easily removed from the hair. If you run a forefinger and thumb firmly down a strand of hair and the substance is not removed, it might be nits. Some common symptoms are itching, especially over the ears and at the nape of the neck, and redness due to excessive scratching. Nits can be difficult to see on blond hair and may require a magnifying glass. If the nits are not removed they will hatch in one to two weeks and develop into adult lice. Removing nits can be difficult and requires some proactive measures.
Instructions
-
-
1
Cover the individual receiving the treatment to avoid staining clothing and to catch all nits that might fall off during treatment Use an over the counter treatment such as A-200, Pronto, Rid or Nix. Prescription medications include Ovide and Lindane. These are administered under a doctors supervision. Treat everyone in the house even if they are not showing symptoms. Head lice are very contagious.
-
2
Comb the hair in one eighth to quarter inch sections while the medication is on the hair using a comb with close teeth such as a rat tail comb, or a flea comb. Keep paper towels handy to wipe the knits from the comb. Periodically wipe the nits off to remove them from the comb and continue to comb individual sections until the entire head is completed. Treat the hair once a week for three weeks to be sure you have eliminated all nits and live lice.
-
-
3
Vacuum all areas of carpet or fabric covered furniture. Wash all clothing and bedding in the household and vehicle. Shampoo carpets and upholstery as well. Spray surfaces with a spray that kills lice such as Pronto Plus Household Spray.
-
4
Throw out all brushes, hair clips, combs, barrettes or hairbands that may have come into contact with the infected individuals head to avoid re-infection. Wash all stuffed animals in hot water.
-
5
Consider natural cures such as covering the head in mayonnaise, baby oil or Vaseline and covering the head with a plastic cap for 24 hours. Remove the cap and comb through section by section as stated above to remove nits. Follow with a vinegar rinse to remove the lice. The treatment should be administered twice a week for three weeks to ensure removal.
-
6
Check with your doctor before treatment and following the first treatment to receive recommendations and prescriptions if needed. Check the hair every two days, vacuum and wash bedding daily for three weeks to to be sure there is no re-infestation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the lice are moving slowly, do not immediately reapply treatment. This indicates they are dying. Wait at least one day to reapply.
Do not use a product more than twice if it does not appear to be working.
