How can lice and nits be removed from a child's head? - briefly
Apply a medicated shampoo containing permethrin or pyrethrin, follow the label’s timing, rinse, and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to eliminate live insects and eggs. Perform a repeat treatment after 7–10 days and wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice and nits be removed from a child's head? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations from a child’s scalp requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment, thorough combing, and environmental decontamination.
The first step is confirmation of the presence of live insects and their eggs. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. Examine the comb after each pass; live lice appear as small, tan‑brown insects, while nits are oval, firmly attached to hair shafts within a few millimetres of the scalp.
Once infestation is verified, apply an approved pediculicide. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion or shampoo, applied to dry hair, left for ten minutes, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone‑based products, which suffocate insects without neurotoxic chemicals.
- Prescription agents such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin, reserved for resistant cases.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely regarding dosage, exposure time, and repeat application. A second treatment is typically required seven to ten days after the first to eliminate newly hatched nits that survived the initial dose.
After chemical treatment, perform meticulous wet combing. Wet the hair with a conditioner to reduce slip, then run a fine lice comb from the scalp to the tips, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat this process every 2–3 days for two weeks, removing any remaining nits.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
Parents should monitor the child’s scalp daily, repeating the combing routine until no live lice or viable nits are observed for three consecutive examinations. If symptoms persist despite treatment, consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapies.