A child has lice, how to eliminate them? - briefly
Apply an approved lice treatment (e.g., permethrin 1% shampoo or dimethicone lotion) according to the label, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb and repeat the application after 7–10 days. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water, vacuum surfaces, and inspect close contacts for infestation.
A child has lice, how to eliminate them? - in detail
When a child is found to have head‑lice, immediate action is required to stop spreading and to eliminate the parasites.
First, confirm the infestation. Examine the scalp under bright light, part the hair close to the scalp, and look for live insects, nits firmly attached to the hair shaft, or brown‑black fecal spots near the neck. Use a fine‑tooth comb (lice comb) on wet hair to improve visibility.
Treatment options
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide. Apply according to the product label, leave on for the recommended time, then rinse. A second application after 7–10 days kills newly hatched nits.
- Prescription medications – 0.5 % malathion, 0.1 % ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol lotion. These are reserved for resistant cases or when OTC products are ineffective. Follow the prescribing physician’s instructions precisely.
- Manual removal – wet the hair, apply a conditioner to loosen the grip of the eggs, then comb with a nit‑comb from scalp to tip, section by section. Repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks to ensure all viable nits are removed.
Environmental measures
- Wash the child’s clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in a plastic bag for two weeks, the lifespan of a louse.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray hairs that may contain nits.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, or headgear during the treatment period.
Preventive practices
- Encourage regular head checks, especially after school or sleepovers.
- Keep hair tied back for children with long hair to reduce contact.
- Educate caregivers and teachers about early detection and prompt treatment.
By combining a proven chemical or mechanical treatment with thorough cleaning of personal items and consistent follow‑up, the infestation can be eradicated and re‑infestation prevented.