How can lice be removed from a child with long hair at home? - briefly
Apply an OTC lice treatment to damp hair, then repeatedly run a fine‑toothed nit comb from the scalp to the tips, cleaning the comb after each pass, and repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks.
How can lice be removed from a child with long hair at home? - in detail
Treating a child with lengthy hair requires a systematic approach to eliminate both adult lice and their eggs.
Begin with preparation. Gather a fine‑toothed nit comb (metal or high‑quality plastic), a regular shampoo, a conditioner that does not contain silicone, a bowl of warm water, a towel, and a pair of disposable gloves. Set aside a clean, well‑lit area where the child can sit comfortably.
- Wash the hair with a normal shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and apply a generous amount of conditioner. The conditioner creates slip, allowing the comb to glide without tearing strands.
- Rinse the conditioner, leaving a thin film of moisture.
- Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb through a section of hair, moving from the roots to the tips in a single, steady stroke. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel or rinse it in the bowl of water, then repeat on the next section.
- Continue section by section until the entire head has been combed. Count any live insects found; a high count indicates the need for a second treatment.
If a chemical lice treatment is preferred, follow the product label exactly. Apply the lotion or spray to dry hair, cover with a plastic cap for the recommended time, then rinse and repeat the combing process described above.
After the initial session, repeat the combing routine every 2–3 days for two weeks. This schedule catches newly hatched nymphs before they mature.
Environmental cleaning reduces re‑infestation.
- Wash the child’s pillowcases, hats, scarves, and any fabric that touched the head in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water for at least 10 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean the canister.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in a sealed bag for two weeks.
Monitor the scalp daily for signs of live lice or viable eggs. Absence of insects after the final combing session confirms successful eradication. If persistent infestation occurs despite thorough home treatment, consult a healthcare professional for alternative options.