How can lice be eliminated from children if they already have them? - briefly
Use a medicated shampoo or lotion with permethrin or dimethicone, apply according to the instructions, and comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice be eliminated from children if they already have them? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice infestations in children requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical extraction, and environmental hygiene.
The first step is accurate identification. Use a fine‑tooth lice comb on damp hair, inspecting the scalp for live insects and viable eggs (nits) attached within 1 mm of the hair shaft. Confirmation of infestation justifies immediate treatment.
Chemical agents approved for pediatric use include permethrin 1 % lotion, pyrethrin‑based products, and, when resistance is suspected, prescription‑strength options such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin 0.5 % lotion. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions: distribute the product over dry hair, leave for the specified duration (typically 10 minutes), then rinse. A second application 7–10 days later eliminates newly hatched lice that survived the initial dose.
Mechanical removal complements topical therapy. After the chemical step, comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb at 2‑minute intervals for at least three consecutive days. Each pass should start at the scalp and proceed to the hair tip, removing live lice and dislodging nits.
Environmental control reduces re‑infestation risk. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to capture fallen insects.
A concise protocol can be presented as follows:
- Confirm infestation with a lice comb.
- Apply an approved pediculicide; observe required contact time.
- Rinse and repeat the application after 7–10 days.
- Perform daily nit‑combing for three days post‑treatment.
- Launder or isolate personal items; clean living areas.
Monitoring continues for two weeks after the final treatment. Absence of live lice and nits on successive examinations indicates successful eradication. If live insects persist despite two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative prescription therapy.