A child has lice, how to help? - briefly
Apply a child‑safe pediculicide according to label directions, then comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb after 24–48 hours, repeating the treatment as recommended. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the living area to eliminate residual eggs.
A child has lice, how to help? - in detail
When a youngster is found to have head‑lice, immediate action reduces spread and eases discomfort.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable eggs (nits) by parting the hair close to the scalp and using a fine‑tooth comb. Nits appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑brown objects glued to the hair shaft; live lice move quickly when disturbed.
Next, select an approved treatment. Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are effective when applied according to the product label, typically leaving the lotion on the scalp for 10 minutes before rinsing. For resistant cases, a prescription lotion with 0.5 % ivermectin or 0.05 % malathion may be required; these should be used under medical supervision. After the first application, repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
While the medication works, remove nits manually. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, moving from the scalp outward in sections. Comb each section several times, rinsing the comb frequently. Discard any combed-out nits; do not reuse them.
Environmental decontamination limits re‑infestation. Wash the child’s bedding, hats, scarves, and any washable clothing in hot water (≥ 50 °C) and tumble dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward. Personal items such as combs, brushes, and hair accessories should be soaked in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
Preventive measures sustain the outcome. Advise the child to avoid head‑to‑head contact during play, discourage sharing of hats, hair accessories, or headphones, and maintain regular hair‑checking routines, especially after group activities. Educate caregivers and school staff about the signs of infestation and the importance of prompt reporting.
Finally, schedule a follow‑up inspection one week after the second treatment to verify that no live lice or viable nits remain. If any are detected, repeat the treatment cycle and reassess environmental cleaning practices. Continuous monitoring for the next three weeks ensures that the infestation has been fully resolved.