A child has lice – how can you help? - briefly
Treat the infestation with an FDA‑approved lice shampoo or lotion, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove nits, repeating the treatment after 7–10 days. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the home to prevent re‑infestation.
A child has lice – how can you help? - in detail
When a child is found to have head lice, the first priority is to confirm the infestation. Look for live insects about 2–3 mm long, brownish‑gray bodies, or translucent eggs (nits) attached close to the scalp, typically behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
After confirmation, take these actions:
- Separate the affected child from classmates for the duration of treatment, following school policy.
- Notify caregivers, teachers, and anyone else who may have been in close contact.
- Begin an approved lice‑killing regimen promptly.
Treatment options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based products. Apply according to the label, leave the solution on the hair for the recommended time, then rinse. A second application after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched lice.
- Prescription medications such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion for resistant cases. Use only under medical guidance.
- Mechanical removal with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Comb wet hair in sections from scalp to tip, wiping the comb after each pass. Repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Environmental cleaning reduces re‑infestation risk:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal items that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters afterward.
Preventive measures help keep lice out of the household:
- Perform weekly head checks, especially after sleepovers or group activities.
- Teach children not to share hats, hairbrushes, helmets, or headphones.
- Keep hair tied back for children with long hair to reduce contact.
Following these steps systematically eliminates the current infestation and minimizes the chance of recurrence.