How Long Can It Take to Get Rid of Head Lice?

There are a few different treatments to get rid of head lice. First, a topical medication like malathion can be applied. This should be repeated every three to seven days. A second option is to use a product like spinosad. This treatment can be repeated for up to two weeks after the first treatment if the lice remain.

Another option is to clean your child’s hair tools with a phenol solution that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. These products are effective in killing the eggs and lice. Then, you should wash the items with a hot soapy solution and store them in a plastic bag for at least two weeks. After the treatment, you should check the treated child daily and treat any hair objects that might harbor lice.

A second option to treat the lice is to apply a medication that contains permethrin. This is a synthetic pyrethroid that has been approved by the FDA. The treatment kills live lice and kills some eggs. However, it does not kill unhatched eggs. Newly hatched lice can survive for a few days after the first treatment, so a second treatment may be needed.

In general, head lice treatment will eliminate lice from the hair in two to three weeks. It’s important to follow all directions on the medicated head lice treatments. If you don’t know which one is the best one for you, ask a pharmacist. They can help you find the safest solution for the problem.