How can lice and nits be removed from a child's long hair at home? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice treatment, then comb the damp, conditioned hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb, removing each louse and egg; repeat the combing every 24 hours for at least seven days. Clean combs, wash bedding in hot water, and vacuum furniture to eliminate any remaining parasites.
How can lice and nits be removed from a child's long hair at home? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations from long hair requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical extraction, appropriate treatment products, and thorough environmental cleaning.
Begin by preparing the child’s hair. Wash the scalp with a regular shampoo, rinse, and towel‑dry until damp but not soaking. Apply a lice‑specific conditioner or a dedicated lice‑removal lotion according to the manufacturer’s instructions; these agents loosen the glue that holds eggs to the hair shaft.
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, ideally with metal teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through a small section of hair, moving slowly toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel to confirm removal of live insects or eggs. Repeat this process for every section, working from the crown to the nape and from side to side, until the entire head has been combed. Perform at least three combing sessions, spaced 7–10 days apart, to catch any newly hatched lice.
If a chemical treatment is preferred, select a pediculicide that is approved for children and contains ingredients such as dimethicone or pyrethrins. Apply the product to dry hair, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips. Leave it on for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a second combing session to remove any remaining nits.
After treatment, wash all personal items that have contacted the hair. Use hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) for clothing, bedding, and towels, or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks if washing is not possible. Clean combs, brushes, and hair accessories by soaking them in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes.
Inspect the scalp daily for the next two weeks. Any live lice observed should prompt an immediate repeat of the combing procedure. Maintaining short, clean hair and avoiding shared headgear can reduce the risk of reinfestation.