How can you fight lice in children at home? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb while the strands remain wet and conditioned; wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in water ≥ 60 °C. Repeat the entire process after seven days to eradicate any remaining nymphs.
How can you fight lice in children at home? - in detail
Head lice infestations in children can be controlled at home through systematic inspection, targeted treatment, and thorough environmental cleaning.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable eggs (nits) by parting the hair close to the scalp and examining the strands with a fine-toothed comb. Nits appear as oval, yellow‑brown capsules firmly attached to the hair shaft; live lice move quickly and are grayish‑brown.
Second, choose an appropriate topical agent. Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, applied according to the product label, eliminate most insects. Allow the solution to remain on the scalp for the specified duration, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, a prescription‑only formulation with 0.5 % malathion or 0.025 % ivermectin may be required; a medical professional should provide these.
Third, execute manual removal. After the chemical treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and work outward, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.
Fourth, apply non‑chemical alternatives if desired. Options include:
- Saturating the scalp with a mixture of equal parts olive oil and coconut oil, leaving it for 30 minutes before combing.
- Using a 10 % dimethicone solution, which suffocates insects without toxic ingredients.
Fifth, decontaminate personal items and the living environment. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
Sixth, monitor for reinfestation. Examine the child’s hair every 2–3 days for a month. If live lice reappear, repeat the treatment cycle promptly.
Seventh, educate caregivers and children about preventive measures: avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones; keep hair tied back during play; and perform regular scalp checks, especially after contact with other children.
Following these steps consistently eradicates head lice without resorting to professional removal services.