How can I remove lice from children? - briefly
«Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, shampoo‑treated hair, repeat the process every 7 days, and launder all bedding and clothing in hot water.» «Apply a child‑safe pediculicide according to the label, then comb thoroughly to eliminate any remaining nits.»
How can I remove lice from children? - in detail
Head lice infestations affect children worldwide; timely eradication prevents spread and discomfort.
Identification relies on visual inspection of the scalp and hair. Key signs include persistent itching, live insects about the size of a sesame seed, and oval-shaped nits attached within 1 cm of the hair shaft.
Effective treatment combines chemical and mechanical approaches.
• Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing pyrethrin or permethrin are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration, then rinsed thoroughly.
• Prescription‑only agents such as malathion or ivermectin are reserved for resistant cases or when standard products fail.
Mechanical removal eliminates both insects and eggs without medication.
- Dampen hair with warm water and a small amount of conditioner.
- Use a fine‑tooth nit comb, starting at the scalp and pulling toward the hair tip.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to confirm removal.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.
Environmental control reduces re‑infestation risk.
• Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat.
• Seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for at least two weeks.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up inspection occurs 7–10 days after initial treatment. Absence of live lice and nits confirms success; any remaining nits require a second round of chemical treatment or continued mechanical removal.
Precautions include reading product labels for age restrictions, performing a patch test to detect allergic reactions, and consulting a healthcare professional if infestation persists despite repeated interventions.