How can you get rid of lice and nits in girls? - briefly
Apply a permethrin‑ or pyrethrin‑based shampoo or lotion, leave it on for the recommended time, then remove all eggs with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days and launder bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How can you get rid of lice and nits in girls? - in detail
Effective elimination of head lice and their eggs in girls requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment, thorough removal of nits, and environmental decontamination.
First, confirm infestation by examining the scalp and hair under bright light. Use a fine-toothed comb to separate sections and look for live insects about the size of sesame seeds and translucent oval eggs attached to hair shafts within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Choose an appropriate pediculicide. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin; apply according to package directions, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and hair, then rinse after the recommended exposure time.
- Prescription treatments such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % ivermectin lotion, or oral ivermectin; these are reserved for resistant cases or when OTC products fail.
- Non‑chemical alternatives like dimethicone‑based lotions, which suffocate lice without neurotoxic agents; apply liberally and leave in place for the specified period.
After the initial application, remove nits manually. Use a metal nit comb with 0.2 mm teeth, working from the scalp outward in small sections. Comb each strand three times, wiping the comb on a white towel to expose remaining eggs. Repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice before they lay additional eggs.
Environmental control is essential. Follow these steps:
- Wash all worn clothing, blankets, and bedding in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse away from a host.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray insects and eggs; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, and towels until the infestation is cleared.
Monitor the child daily for signs of reinfestation. If live lice are observed after the second treatment, repeat the chosen pediculicide after seven days, as recommended by most guidelines. Persistent cases may require a different active ingredient to overcome resistance.
Preventive measures include educating the child on avoiding head-to-head contact, discouraging the exchange of personal items, and conducting routine scalp checks during peak transmission seasons (late summer and early fall). Consistent application of these protocols eliminates the infestation efficiently and minimizes recurrence.