How can a ten-year-old child get rid of lice? - briefly
Use an FDA‑approved children's lice shampoo or lotion, follow the label directions, then comb out remaining nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb and wash clothing, bedding, and toys in hot water.
How can a ten-year-old child get rid of lice? - in detail
A ten‑year‑old with head lice requires a systematic approach that removes insects, eliminates eggs, and prevents re‑infestation.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits. Use a fine‑tooth lice comb on dry hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. Any moving insects or nits within ¼ inch of the scalp confirm an active infestation.
Next, select an appropriate treatment. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – products containing permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin with a piperonyl‑butoxide enhancer. Apply according to the package, leaving the solution on the scalp for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes). Rinse thoroughly, then repeat the application after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.
- Prescription‑only agents – such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion 0.5 %. These are reserved for cases where OTC remedies fail or resistance is suspected. Follow the physician’s directions precisely.
- Non‑chemical methods – wet combing with a fine‑tooth comb after applying a conditioner to lubricate the hair. Perform combing every 2–3 days for two weeks, removing each visible louse and nit. This method avoids chemicals but requires diligence.
After the chemical or mechanical treatment, remove residual nits:
- Divide hair into small sections.
- Comb each section from the scalp outward, wiping the comb blade with a tissue after each pass.
- Dispose of collected material in a sealed bag.
Environmental decontamination reduces the risk of recurrence:
- Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and any clothing worn within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and tumble dry on high heat.
- Seal untouched items (e.g., stuffed animals) in a plastic bag for two weeks, as lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray hairs that may contain nits.
Monitor the child for three weeks after treatment. If live lice reappear, repeat the chosen pediculicide or switch to an alternative class of product. Persistent cases warrant a medical evaluation to rule out resistance or secondary skin infection.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates the infestation and minimizes the chance of a repeat outbreak.