How can a 10‑year‑old child be freed from lice? - briefly
Use an over‑the‑counter lice treatment containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% pyrethrin, apply it to dry hair, leave for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly and repeat after 7 days; wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate any remaining nits.
How can a 10‑year‑old child be freed from lice? - in detail
Head lice infestations in children require prompt, thorough action to eliminate the parasites and prevent recurrence.
First, confirm the presence of lice by inspecting the scalp and hair. Look for live insects, which are about the size of a sesame seed, and for nits attached firmly to the hair shaft within a quarter‑inch of the scalp. Use a fine‑tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair to improve visibility.
Effective treatment consists of three coordinated steps:
- Apply a pediculicide approved for children, such as a 1 % permethrin lotion or a 0.5 % malathion solution. Follow the product instructions precisely: apply to dry hair, leave the medication for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly.
- After the first application, wait 7–10 days and repeat the treatment to eradicate newly hatched nits that survived the initial dose.
- Perform a meticulous nit‑removal session 24 hours after each application. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb, working from the scalp outward in sections. Remove each nit and discard it in a sealed container.
Environmental decontamination reduces the risk of re‑infestation:
- Wash the child’s bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items, such as stuffed animals, in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Monitoring continues for four weeks after the final treatment. Examine the hair twice weekly; any surviving nits should be removed promptly. If live lice persist despite correct use of over‑the‑counter products, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options, such as oral ivermectin or benzyl alcohol lotion.
Preventive measures include educating the child about avoiding head‑to‑head contact, not sharing personal items like combs or hats, and conducting regular scalp checks, especially after school or group activities. Implementing these protocols systematically eliminates the infestation and minimizes the chance of future outbreaks.