A child has been found with lice and nits: what should be done? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (e.g., 1% permethrin) to the hair and comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb, then wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat. Notify anyone the child has been in close contact so they can inspect and treat if necessary.
A child has been found with lice and nits: what should be done? - in detail
A child has been identified with head‑lice infestation. Immediate action includes confirming the presence of live insects and eggs, then initiating treatment and environmental control.
First, verify the problem. Use a fine‑tooth comb on damp hair, examining the comb after each stroke for live lice or brownish oval nits attached close to the scalp. If any are found, proceed to the next steps.
Treatment options
- Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with a synergist. Follow the label precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time, then rinse.
- If resistance is suspected or the initial product fails, obtain a prescription medication such as ivermectin lotion or malathion (0.5 %).
- For families preferring non‑chemical approaches, use a fine‑tooth nit comb after a conditioner treatment, repeating the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Application guidelines
- Treat the child’s hair as directed; repeat the dose after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.
- Treat all household members simultaneously, even if asymptomatic, to prevent cross‑infestation.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat; items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard hair accessories, combs, and brushes, or soak them in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes.
Prevention of recurrence
- Instruct the child to avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, scarves, or headphones.
- Encourage regular head checks, especially after sleepovers or close contact with peers.
- Notify the school or daycare; most institutions require a written statement confirming treatment completion before readmission.
- Schedule a follow‑up inspection 1–2 weeks after the second treatment dose to ensure no live lice remain.
If symptoms persist despite proper use of approved products, seek medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can confirm diagnosis, rule out secondary skin infection, and prescribe alternative therapy.