How can a child with long hair permanently get rid of lice? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide approved for children, leave it on according to instructions, then comb the hair repeatedly with a fine-toothed nit comb while it’s still damp; launder all clothing, bedding and personal items in hot water and continue weekly inspections for at least a month to prevent reinfestation.
How can a child with long hair permanently get rid of lice? - in detail
A child with lengthy hair can achieve lasting freedom from head‑lice by combining chemical treatment, meticulous manual removal, and environmental control.
First, confirm the infestation. Examine several sections of the scalp, pulling hair apart to reveal nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb under bright light; the presence of live insects or viable eggs confirms the need for action.
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (e.g., 1 % permethrin lotion) according to the product label. Distribute the solution evenly from roots to tips, ensuring the scalp is fully covered. Leave the preparation on for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat the application after seven days to eradicate any newly hatched nits that survived the first treatment.
Immediately following the chemical step, perform a second combing session. While the hair remains damp, use a metal nit comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each strand to the ends, wiping the teeth on a white paper towel after each pass. Continue until no live lice or viable nits are observed. This manual removal must be repeated daily for at least three consecutive days.
Clean the child’s environment to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or use a commercial lice‑killing spray on items that cannot be laundered. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean the canister immediately. Seal non‑washable items (e.g., hats, hair accessories) in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
Implement preventive measures to maintain a lice‑free state. Trim hair to a manageable length if feasible; shorter hair reduces the surface area for egg attachment. Instruct the child to avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, headphones, or pillows. Conduct weekly scalp inspections, especially after school or group activities, and perform a quick comb‑through with a nit comb to catch any early signs.
Document each treatment date, product used, and observation results. If live insects persist after two full treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative prescription options such as ivermectin or malathion, and consider a resistance‑testing laboratory analysis.
By adhering to this protocol—chemical eradication, systematic nit removal, thorough environmental sanitation, and ongoing monitoring—a child with long hair can achieve permanent elimination of head‑lice.