How can I get rid of lice on a 12-year-old child? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin lice treatment according to the label, then remove remaining nits with a fine‑toothed comb. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water, vacuum the home, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to catch any newly hatched insects.
How can I get rid of lice on a 12-year-old child? - in detail
Head lice infest a child’s scalp when adult female lice lay eggs (nits) close to the hair shaft. The insects feed on blood and cause itching, which can lead to secondary infection if scratched. Prompt elimination prevents spread to classmates and family members.
Confirming the presence of lice
- Examine the hair under bright light, parting sections from the crown to the neck.
- Look for live insects, which are about 2–3 mm long and move quickly.
- Identify nits: oval, yellow‑brown, firmly attached to the shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Chemical treatment
- Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin according to the package directions.
- Leave the product on the scalp for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- Repeat the application after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nits.
- If resistance is suspected or the infestation persists, obtain a prescription for a 0.5 % malathion lotion or a 0.05 % ivermectin shampoo; follow the clinician’s dosing schedule.
Mechanical removal
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section, wiping the teeth after every pass.
- Perform combing sessions every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Dispose of each combed-out nit by crushing it or placing it in a sealed container.
Household decontamination
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (hats, hair accessories) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Monitoring and retreatment
- Inspect the child’s hair every 2–3 days for live lice or viable nits.
- If live insects are found after the second chemical application, repeat the full treatment cycle.
- Inform school officials to coordinate screening of classmates and prevent reinfestation.
Preventive practices
- Advise the child to avoid sharing combs, hats, scarves, headphones, and hair accessories.
- Encourage regular hair checks, especially after sleepovers or group activities.
- Keep hair clean and well‑maintained; short hair reduces the area where nits can attach, though lice can infest any length.
Following these steps systematically eliminates the infestation, minimizes recurrence, and safeguards the child’s health and social environment.