How can a 10-year-old child get rid of lice at home on long hair? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo or lotion, leave it on according to directions, then comb the wet hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb, removing each louse and egg; repeat the process after 7–10 days and wash all bedding and clothing in hot water.
How can a 10-year-old child get rid of lice at home on long hair? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations in a child with long hair requires a systematic approach that combines direct removal, chemical or natural treatment, and thorough cleaning of the environment.
Begin by gathering the necessary items: a fine‑toothed lice comb, a regular wide‑tooth comb, a basin of warm water, mild shampoo, a towel, disposable gloves, and a treatment product (permethrin 1 % lotion, dimethicone‑based silicone, or a tea‑tree oil mixture). Prepare a clean, well‑lit area where the child can sit comfortably.
- Shampoo and rinse – Wash the hair with a gentle shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel‑dry until damp but not wet.
- Apply treatment – Follow the product label precisely: apply the lotion or oil to the scalp and hair, ensuring coverage from the roots to the tips. Leave it on for the specified duration (usually 10 minutes for permethrin, 30 minutes for silicone).
- Comb out lice and nits – While the hair remains damp, use the fine‑toothed comb to pull forward from the scalp, section by section. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and repeat until no live insects or eggs are visible. Follow with a wide‑tooth comb to detangle.
- Rinse and dry – Remove the treatment with warm water, then dry the hair completely.
- Repeat – Perform a second combing session 7–9 days later, when any newly hatched nits become detectable.
Simultaneously, eliminate sources of re‑infestation:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed animals) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Instruct the child to avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
Monitor the scalp daily for several weeks. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consider consulting a healthcare professional for an alternative prescription or to rule out resistance. Maintaining regular weekly comb checks for at least one month helps confirm eradication.