How can lice that appeared on a child be eliminated? - briefly
Treat the child with a pediculicide shampoo or lotion approved for pediatric use, applying it according to the product instructions and repeating the dose after 7–10 days. Follow with fine‑tooth combing of wet hair and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to stop re‑infestation.
How can lice that appeared on a child be eliminated? - in detail
Infestation of head lice in a child requires a systematic approach to eradicate the parasites and prevent recurrence.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits. Examine the scalp under bright light, parting hair close to the scalp. Live lice appear as small, grayish insects about 2–3 mm long; viable nits are oval, firmly attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Second, select an appropriate treatment. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide. Apply according to label instructions, leave on the scalp for the recommended period, then rinse thoroughly.
- Prescription agents – 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol lotion for cases resistant to OTC products. Use only under medical supervision.
- Mechanical removal – fine‑toothed nit combs applied to wet, conditioned hair. Comb from scalp outward every 2–3 days for two weeks, removing all visible nits.
- Alternative modalities – dimethicone‑based lotions, which encapsulate lice, and oil‑based treatments (olive or coconut oil) that suffocate insects. Evidence supports dimethicone; oil methods lack robust data but may aid combing.
Third, execute the chosen regimen precisely. For chemical treatments, repeat the application after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice that survived the first dose. For combing, maintain a strict schedule: comb each section of hair three times per session, ensuring no nits remain within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Fourth, address the environment. Wash the child’s bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in plastic bags for 48 hours, a duration exceeding lice survival without a host. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray hairs containing nits.
Fifth, implement preventive measures. Discourage head‑to‑head contact during play, avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories, and educate caregivers about early detection signs. Conduct weekly scalp inspections for at least one month after treatment completion.
Finally, monitor outcomes. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapy or resistance testing. Document dates of treatment and follow‑up inspections to track progress and ensure complete eradication.