How to Treat Head Lice at Home

The first step to treating head lice at home is to make sure your hair is wet. This will make it easier to detect the lice and prevent them from running away. After your hair is wet, you should comb it thoroughly, starting from the scalp and working your way down. Afterward, wipe it clean with a wet paper towel. If you do find live lice, see your doctor. He or she may prescribe antibiotics.

You can also try to comb the hair using a fine-tooth comb, which can remove nits and lice. Be sure to use conditioner on the hair, as this helps to lubricate the hair and kill any live lice on it. Then, repeat the combing process every three to four days to kill any newly-hatched lice.

It is also important to treat household members who may be exposed to the lice. Generally, head lice are passed from one person to another through close physical contact, so it is important to avoid sharing hats or clothing with anyone who has the problem. The best treatment is to treat the head lice as soon as you notice them. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

Lice do not transmit disease, but they can be an annoying inconvenience. However, with the proper treatment, you can get rid of the lice and avoid a relapse. It can take anywhere from seven to eleven days for the lice to mature. The lice will stay close to the scalp for about three to four weeks if left untreated. During this time, they can feed on the scalp and produce eggs.