Head louse: how can you get rid of it in a child? - briefly
Effective removal requires immediate mechanical combing together with an approved pediculicide applied according to label instructions. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water, vacuum the environment, and repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate newly hatched lice.
Head louse: how can you get rid of it in a child? - in detail
Infestation of head lice in children requires prompt, systematic action to eliminate the parasites and prevent reinfestation.
Accurate identification precedes treatment. Adult lice are visible on the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the hairline; nits appear as tiny, oval, tan‑colored shells firmly attached to the base of hair shafts. A fine‑toothed nit comb, used on wet, conditioned hair, reveals live insects and eggs.
Effective eradication combines chemical and mechanical methods.
- Apply a pediculicide approved for pediatric use according to label instructions. Common active ingredients include permethrin 1 % and pyrethrin 0,4 %. For resistant cases, a prescription‑only preparation containing spinosad 1 % or malathion 0,5 % may be necessary.
- After the recommended exposure time, rinse hair thoroughly and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched lice.
- Conduct a meticulous combing session 24 hours after the first application. Run the nit comb from scalp to tip in small sections, removing each louse and nits; wipe the comb on a tissue after each pass.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Non‑washable items may be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs containing nits.
Follow‑up examinations at days 7, 14, and 21 confirm the absence of live lice. Persistent nits after three consecutive combing sessions warrant a repeat of the chemical treatment.
Prevention focuses on reducing head‑to‑head contact and limiting shared use of personal items such as hats, hairbrushes, and headphones. Regular inspection of school‑age children, especially after known outbreaks, facilitates early detection.
By adhering to this protocol, complete removal of head lice from a child is achievable, minimizing discomfort and interrupting transmission cycles.