How can you get rid of lice on a child's head?

How can you get rid of lice on a child's head? - briefly

Apply a lice‑killing treatment (e.g., permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo) according to the label, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove nits, and repeat the process after 7‑10 days; wash bedding, clothing, and toys in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.

How can you get rid of lice on a child's head? - in detail

Detecting an infestation requires close inspection of the scalp and hair. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, moving from the scalp outward. Look for live lice, nymphs, or brown oval eggs (nits) attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft.

Effective treatment proceeds in three phases:

Chemical or non‑chemical agents
- Apply a lice‑killing shampoo or lotion containing permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin. Follow the product label for contact time, usually 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- For families preferring a pesticide‑free option, use a dimethicone‑based product that suffocates the insects.
- If resistance is suspected, a second‑line prescription such as ivermectin or malathion may be required under medical supervision.
Mechanical removal
- After the chemical step, comb the hair with a nit‑comb every 2–3 days for two weeks. Divide the hair into sections, pull each section taut, and run the comb from scalp to tip.
- Rinse the comb in hot water after each pass to prevent re‑infestation.
Environmental decontamination
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean the canister afterward.

Preventive measures reduce recurrence:

Advise children to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or headphones.
Encourage regular head‑checking, especially after sleepovers or group activities.
Maintain a low‑humidity environment; lice thrive in warm, moist conditions.
Educate caregivers on proper use of over‑the‑counter treatments to avoid under‑dosing.

Follow‑up inspection should occur seven days after the initial treatment and again two weeks later. Absence of live lice and nits confirms successful eradication; persistent findings warrant a repeat treatment cycle or medical evaluation.