How can lice and nits be removed from girls? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb while it is wet and conditioned, repeating the combing every 7–10 days to remove any remaining eggs. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice and nits be removed from girls? - in detail
Removing head lice and their eggs from young females requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental control.
First, select an appropriate pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter products containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are effective when applied according to the label. For cases resistant to these agents, a prescription lotion with 0.5 % malathion or 0.05 % ivermectin may be used. Apply the product to dry hair, ensuring thorough coverage from scalp to the ends of the strands, then leave it on for the recommended duration before rinsing.
Second, follow the chemical step with a meticulous combing process. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably metal, and work in sections:
- Divide hair into manageable portions.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section to the tip.
- Rinse the comb in hot water after every pass to remove captured insects.
- Repeat the procedure on the entire head at least twice, spaced 7–10 days apart, to eliminate newly hatched lice before they mature.
Third, clean personal items and the surrounding environment. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Non‑washable items can be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to capture any stray insects or eggs.
Finally, educate caregivers on preventive measures. Advise against sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, or headgear. Encourage regular inspection of hair, especially after sleepovers or group activities, and prompt treatment at the first sign of infestation.
By integrating these steps—effective topical medication, precise nit removal, thorough decontamination, and ongoing vigilance—complete eradication can be achieved with minimal risk of recurrence.