What Are the Treatments for Lice Infestation?

by Rebecca S. McClinton

Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stipulates that lice-infested persons should be treated in addition to household objects the person may have come into contact with. Household members should all be checked for lice.
Treatments

Once the person with the lice infestation has been identified, it may be wise to limit close contact, such as sleeping in the same bed, to prevent spreading the lice, at least until adequate treatment has been performed.

Washables

Everything the infested person has come into contact with--including bedding, stuffed animals, clothes, hats, coats and backpacks--should be laundered on the hot cycle for both washing and drying. Anything that can't be washed should be sealed in a bag for at least two weeks.
Hair Treatment

Perhaps the most common treatment for lice infestation is an over-the-counter pediculicide, a pesticide specially formulated to kill lice. Treatment should be repeated in seven to nine days to prevent reinfestation.
Pesticide Free

Some products are available over-the-counter that are pesticide free, such as LiceMD and LiceFree. LiceFree uses a natural product, sodium chloride, to kill lice; LiceMD uses a common hair conditioner ingredient to make lice and egg removal easier.
Nit Removal

Removal of nits (lice eggs) is the most important part of the infestation treatment. It can be done either with a special nit comb, which usually comes with lice treatments, or by cutting out any strand of hair that has a nit attached.
Vacuuming

Contrary to popular belief, nits and lice bugs do not fall of the hair. However, it is recommended to vacuum mattress, carpets and couches, should a strand of hair with a nit attached fall out.