How and with what to remove lice from a child with long hair? - briefly
Use a 1 % «permethrin» shampoo or a dimethicone‑based lice treatment, then, while hair remains wet, run a fine‑toothed nit comb from scalp to tips to remove lice and nits; repeat the process after seven days to eradicate any survivors.
How and with what to remove lice from a child with long hair? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice infestations from children with long hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, thorough combing, and environmental control. The process begins with selecting an appropriate product. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, applied according to manufacturer instructions.
- Dimethicone‑based lotions, which immobilise insects without neurotoxic effects.
- Non‑chemical alternatives such as a hot‑oil treatment (olive or mineral oil heated to 45 °C) applied for 30 minutes, then removed with a fine‑toothed nit comb.
After product application, the hair must be divided into sections no wider than 2 cm. Each section is combed from scalp to tip using a metal nit comb, pressing the teeth firmly to capture lice and nits. The comb should be rinsed in a container of warm water after each pass to clear debris. Repeating the combing process for 15–20 minutes ensures maximum extraction. A second combing session 7–10 days later eliminates any newly hatched nits that survived the initial treatment.
Supporting measures improve success:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in water ≥ 60 °C or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray insects.
- Discourage sharing of combs, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation clears.
Monitoring continues for at least four weeks. Daily inspection of the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape, detects residual activity. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options such as malathion or ivermectin.
The described protocol provides a comprehensive, evidence‑based solution for eradicating lice from children with long hair while minimising re‑infestation risk.