How can a child's lice nits be removed? - briefly
After treating the scalp with an approved lice shampoo, use a metal nit comb on damp hair, pulling from the scalp outward to remove eggs. Repeat the combing every 48‑72 hours for two weeks to ensure all nits are eliminated.
How can a child's lice nits be removed? - in detail
Removing lice eggs from a child’s hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, meticulous combing, and thorough environmental cleaning.
The first step involves applying an approved pediculicide lotion or shampoo containing 1 % permethrin or a dimeticone‑based product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely: apply to dry hair, saturate the scalp, leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
After rinsing, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (tooth spacing 0.2 mm). Divide the hair into sections, secure each with a clip, and comb from the scalp outward. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and repeat until no live lice or eggs are visible. Perform this combing at least once daily for seven days, then repeat after 10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
A supplemental manual removal can be performed with a pair of tweezers or a specialized nit‑removal tool. Isolate each egg, grasp close to the hair shaft, and pull gently to avoid breaking the shell. Discard removed nits in a sealed bag.
Environmental control includes washing all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and drying on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
A concise checklist for caregivers:
- Apply approved pediculicide according to label.
- Rinse and dry hair completely.
- Comb with fine‑toothed nit comb, section by section.
- Repeat combing daily for seven days, then again after ten days.
- Manually extract remaining eggs with tweezers if needed.
- Launder all washable items in hot water; dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑launderable items for fourteen days.
- Vacuum and clean all surfaces where the child spent time.
Adhering to this protocol minimizes the risk of reinfestation and ensures complete eradication of lice eggs from the child’s scalp and surroundings.