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Pls tell me a permanent solution for removing lice?
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #11207
45 days ago
125

Pls tell me a permanent solution for removing lice? - #11207

Nikisha

--- My daughter is 10 years old and she is facing a very common yet difficult problem – head lice. This issue has been troubling her for quite some time now. I have tried many solutions such as medicated shampoos, home remedies, and regular combing with a fine-tooth lice comb, but the problem keeps coming back. The lice cause constant itching and irritation on her scalp, which makes her very uncomfortable, especially during school hours. Sometimes she feels embarrassed to scratch her head in front of her classmates, and this affects her confidence. The biggest challenge is that lice spread very easily. Even after washing her hair and maintaining proper hygiene, she seems to catch them again, most likely from her school friends or while playing with other children. I have washed her pillow covers, bed sheets, and hair accessories many times, yet the problem still continues. As a parent, it worries me because it disturbs her sleep and concentration in studies. This may appear to be a small issue, but for a growing child, it is quite upsetting. I know with patience and consistent care we will overcome this, but at the moment, lice remain one of the biggest problems in her daily life

Age: 39
Chronic illnesses: No
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
45 days ago
5

Permethrin 1% lotion Apply on dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then wash off. Repeat after 7 days (to kill newly hatched lice).

Comb hair daily for 7–10 days after treatment, preferably on wet hair with conditioner (makes combing easier, suffocates lice).

Lice don’t mean poor hygiene they spread by close contact. The success comes from treating the child + controlling reinfection sources simultaneously.

This is the treatment. Don’t follow stupid advices from google and others. Follow professional experts only.

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Dr. Neeraj Agarwal
I’m an MBBS graduate with a deep commitment to providing meaningful, patient-first care. My clinical training has given me a solid understanding of how to assess and manage a wide variety of health conditions—both common and complex. But beyond just clinical skills, I’ve always believed that the heart of medicine lies in listening. That’s what I try to bring into every consultation: not just treatment, but genuine attention to the person in front of me. I have gained experience across general medicine, paediatrics, emergency care and preventive health. I have treated patients of different age groups and backgrounds, which has helped shaped a more flexible, to diagnosis and management. Whether someone comes with a new symptom or a routine check-up, I aim to deliver evidence-based treatment, explained clearly and tailored to the lifestyle. I’m especially focused on making care accessible and comfortable. Too often, patients feel rushed or confused when they leave a doctor’s office—I try to do the opposite. Taking time to explain options, risks, or even just what’s going on in simple terms is something I take seriously. Communication, I think, is just as important as any prescription. I actively stay updated with current medical guidelines and research, and I’ve been exploring areas of holistic care and preventive medicine too. The more we can do to catch problems early—or better yet, avoid them—the better the outcome for everyone. I’ve seen how small lifestyle changes, when supported properly, can make a big difference to long-term health. There’s still a lot to learn, of course. I think every good doctor keeps learning. But every patient I see teaches me something new, and I carry those lessons forward—with honesty, empathy, and the intent to keep improving.
43 days ago
5

Hello ma’am as you have treated you your daughter for lice multiple times and it keeps coming back even after all prevention I would suggest you Inform her teacher or school nurse (confidentially) — if many classmates have lice, your daughter will keep getting reinfected unless others are treated too.

Encourage your daughter that it’s not due to poor hygiene — lice spread through contact, not dirt.

Use this for new lice infection Permethrin 1% lotion/shampoo (OTC, safe for children): Apply to washed, towel-dried hair - leave for 10 minutes -rinse - comb out nits. Repeat after 7 days (to kill newly hatched lice).

And make sure to raise the issue with school that they should provide advisory to every parent to treat there child with lice treatment even they don’t have symptoms to prevent reinfection

Also if school or her playmates don’t have it and ,then it can be resistant strain that might need oral medication so you can visit dermatologist

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Dr. Alan Reji
I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
40 days ago
5

Persistent head lice infestations often require a combination approach—medicated lotions like permethrin, repeated after 7–10 days, along with daily wet combing and treating all close contacts at the same time. Washing clothes, bedding, and hair accessories in hot water and avoiding sharing items helps prevent reinfestation. Please consult a Dermatologist or Pediatrician for prescription-strength treatments and advice on school-based prevention.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
45 days ago
5

Hello mam See besides medications some preventive measures are also required They include following precautions Sanitize the environment with phenol Spray antifungal medications Get adequate sunlight in house Avoid moisture in child Get proper haircut In addition please take following medications Clomed antifungal powder Nizoral shampoo Fusidic acid topically twice a day Niacinamide oil topical therapy Kindly follow above instructions for 1 month In case of no improvement Consult pediatrician in person for better clarification Regards

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There’s no permanent solution to completely eliminate the possibility of head lice, but you can achieve long-lasting control with a strategic approach. Focus on breaking the life cycle of lice, which roughly takes about 3 weeks. Begin with using a topical pediculicide, such as permethrin or pyrethrin-based treatments, which are often effective. Apply according to instructions, ensuring full coverage of the hair and scalp. It’s crucial to follow up with treatment about 7-10 days after the initial application to target any newly hatched lice before they mature and lay eggs. However, improper use or incomplete coverage can reduce efficacy, so adhere to guidelines carefully.

Complement this with manual removal through diligent wet combing with a fine-tooth lice comb every 2-3 days for two weeks, especially for children like your daughter. Pairing this with regular conditioning can ease the process and help remove lice and eggs. Address potential environmental re-infestation by washing bedding, hair accessories, and hats in hot water or using a hot dryer, but avoid overemphasizing fomites as lice typically survive no longer than a day off the human scalp.

Educate her about avoiding head-to-head contact during playtime. Inform teachers or school authorities if necessary, as a community-based understanding can aid in managing the spread. Additionally, watch for any resistance to treatments mentioned above. If persistent lice despite treatment, consider consulting a healthcare professional for alternative solutions like prescription treatments. It’s a good idea to conduct periodic hair inspections to catch any early signs of lice, potentially averting substantial infestations. Home remedies like essential oils (e.g., tea tree, anise) have anecdotal backing, but lack definitive evidence. Lice don’t carry diseases, but they can cause psychological distress, so while treating her physically, support her emotionally through understanding her concerns.

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