How can lice and nits be removed from long hair on girls? - briefly
First, apply an FDA‑approved lice treatment to the scalp and comb the wet hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove all visible insects and eggs. Repeat the combing and a second application of the medication after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How can lice and nits be removed from long hair on girls? - in detail
Effective elimination of head lice and their eggs from lengthy hair in girls requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, appropriate treatment, and diligent follow‑up.
First, isolate a well‑lit, clean area and use a fine‑toothed nit comb on dry hair. Separate the hair into small sections, starting at the scalp and working outward. Comb each section slowly, wiping the comb on a white towel after each pass to detect live insects or nits. Continue until all strands have been examined; repeat the process for at least two consecutive days to catch newly hatched lice.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide or a non‑chemical alternative. Over‑the‑counter products containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed. For families preferring natural options, a mixture of 20 % dimethicone oil applied to the scalp for 30 minutes can suffocate both lice and eggs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely; over‑use can cause irritation.
Third, after treatment, repeat the nit‑combing procedure after 7–10 days. This second combing removes any surviving nits that may have hatched after the initial application. Use a fine‑toothed metal comb, and comb each section at least five times, cleaning the comb between passes.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items. Wash all recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items such as hats or hair accessories in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, or treat them with a lice‑killing spray containing 0.5 % permethrin.
Fifth, prevent reinfestation. Advise the child to avoid sharing combs, hairbrushes, hats, or hair accessories. Encourage regular checks of the scalp, especially after sleepovers or close contact with peers. If a school or childcare setting reports an outbreak, coordinate with staff to ensure all affected children receive treatment simultaneously.
Finally, monitor for signs of treatment failure, such as persistent itching or visible lice after the second combing. If symptoms remain, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options, such as 0.5 % malathion or oral ivermectin, which may be necessary for resistant infestations.
By adhering to this structured protocol—inspection, appropriate topical treatment, meticulous combing, environmental cleaning, and preventive measures—long hair can be cleared of lice and nits efficiently and safely.