How can fleas on a child's head be gotten rid of at home? - briefly
Use a medicated shampoo or a diluted dish‑soap solution to wash the child's hair, then comb the scalp with a fine‑toothed flea comb, repeating every few hours for 24 hours; simultaneously launder all bedding, clothing, and soft toys in hot water and vacuum the home thoroughly. Apply a child‑safe, EPA‑approved flea spray or powder to carpets and upholstery, following the product’s instructions, and keep the treatment area well‑ventilated.
How can fleas on a child's head be gotten rid of at home? - in detail
Fleas on a child’s scalp require immediate removal to prevent irritation and secondary infection. Begin with a thorough visual inspection; use a fine‑tooth comb under bright light to locate adult insects and their eggs. Separate the child’s hair from the skin, pulling sections apart to expose hidden areas.
Apply a safe, non‑chemical treatment first. Diluted apple‑cider vinegar (one part vinegar to two parts water) can be sprayed onto the hair, left for five minutes, then combed out. Essential‑oil blends such as tea‑tree (2 drops per ounce of carrier oil) or lavender (3 drops per ounce) may be applied sparingly; both oils possess insect‑repellent properties and are tolerated by most children when diluted.
After treatment, wash all affected hair with a mild shampoo. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean towel. Follow the combing process with a fine‑tooth flea comb, moving from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat this routine every 12 hours for three days to ensure any newly hatched fleas are captured.
Sanitize the environment to eliminate re‑infestation. Wash bedding, pillowcases, hats, and scarves in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours, as fleas cannot survive without a blood meal beyond this period.
Monitor the child’s scalp for signs of continued infestation—redness, itching, or visible insects—over the next week. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a pediatrician for prescription‑strength topical agents or oral medications approved for pediatric use.