How can lice be cured at home in children? - briefly
Apply a petroleum‑based conditioner or oil to the scalp, leave it for 10–15 minutes, then comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb; wash clothing, bedding, and toys in hot water (≥ 130°F). Repeat the process after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How can lice be cured at home in children? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations in children can be accomplished safely at home using a combination of chemical and non‑chemical methods.
First, identify the presence of live lice and viable nits. Examine the scalp with a fine‑tooth comb under bright light; live insects move quickly, while nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Chemical options
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply to dry hair, saturate the scalp, leave for the time specified on the label (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- Prescription products such as 0.5 % malathion or 0.025 % spinosad for resistant cases; follow exact dosage and repeat after 7 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
Non‑chemical options
- Manual removal with a fine‑tooth nit comb. Wet the hair with a conditioner to reduce slip, then comb from the scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass. Perform this every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Occlusive treatments: apply petroleum jelly, olive oil, or a silicone‑based hair product to coat the hair and suffocate the insects. Leave on for at least 8 hours, then comb out dead lice and nits.
Supportive measures
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the container afterward.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the child’s hair 7 days after the initial treatment; repeat the chosen method if any live lice are detected.
- Continue weekly checks for an additional two weeks to ensure no hatching nits remain.
Combining a proven pediculicide with diligent nit combing and environmental decontamination yields the highest success rate while minimizing the risk of resistance or recurrence.