How can lice and nits be removed from a child with long hair? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide to wet, conditioned hair, then comb through with a fine‑tooth nit comb to extract live insects and eggs; repeat the treatment and combing after seven days and again after fourteen days, while laundering bedding and clothing in hot water.
How can lice and nits be removed from a child with long hair? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations from a child with long hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, meticulous combing, and environmental control.
Begin with a safe, age‑appropriate pediculicide. Choose a product that contains either 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, following the manufacturer’s dosage instructions. Apply the lotion or shampoo to dry hair, ensuring complete coverage from scalp to tips. Allow the recommended contact time, then rinse thoroughly. If the child is allergic or the family prefers non‑chemical methods, a heated water rinse (approximately 130 °F) can kill lice, though it does not affect eggs.
After treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (0.2 mm spacing) on damp, conditioned hair. Divide the hair into sections no wider than 2 inches. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section slowly, wiping the teeth with a tissue after each pass. Collect and dispose of any lice or nits found; a sealed bag or container prevents re‑infestation. Repeat the combing process at least three times over a seven‑day period, as newly hatched lice emerge from surviving eggs.
Complementary steps improve effectiveness:
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed animals) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray insects.
- Instruct the child to avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories during treatment.
A follow‑up inspection 10–14 days after the initial application confirms eradication. If live lice are still present, repeat the pediculicide treatment once more, adhering strictly to the product’s maximum usage frequency. Persistent cases may require prescription‑strength medication such as malathion or ivermectin, administered under medical supervision.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates the infestation and minimizes the risk of recurrence.