How can lice and nits be removed from a child's long hair? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo, then comb the damp, conditioned hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, working section by section and removing each egg and adult insect; repeat the process after 7–10 days. Clean bedding, clothing, and personal items with hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate any surviving parasites.
How can lice and nits be removed from a child's long hair? - in detail
Removing head lice and their eggs from long hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or mechanical treatment, thorough combing, and environmental decontamination.
Begin with a suitable pediculicide. Choose a product approved for children, containing either permethrin (1 %) or dimethicone. Apply according to the label, ensuring the scalp and hair are saturated. Leave the solution for the recommended period, usually 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. If an allergic reaction is suspected, switch to a silicone‑based lotion that suffocates the parasites without insecticidal chemicals.
After the rinse, detangle the hair with a wide‑tooth comb. Separate the hair into manageable sections, securing each with a clip. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, moving from the scalp outward in slow, deliberate strokes. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel to inspect for lice or nits; discard any visible insects. Repeat the combing process at least three times, covering the entire length of each section.
A second treatment is essential 7–10 days later, when any newly hatched lice become vulnerable. Apply the same product or a non‑chemical option such as a hot oil rinse (heated to 130 °F/54 °C) for 15 minutes, then repeat the thorough combing routine.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately.
Maintain regular inspections for two weeks. Use a magnifying glass to examine the hair near the crown and behind the ears every 2–3 days. Promptly remove any newly detected nits with the nit comb to prevent a resurgence.
By adhering to this protocol—effective topical treatment, meticulous combing, repeat application, and comprehensive cleaning—parents can eradicate lice infestations from long hair with minimal risk of recurrence.