How can you treat a child's head for lice? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved lice shampoo or lotion as directed, rinse, then comb the hair thoroughly with a fine‑toothed nit comb; repeat the process in 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects.
How can you treat a child's head for lice? - in detail
Treating a child’s scalp for head‑lice requires a systematic approach: confirm the infestation, choose an appropriate product, apply it correctly, and eliminate any remaining eggs and sources of re‑infection.
First, inspect the hair closely. Use a fine‑tooth lice comb on damp hair, parting sections from scalp to ends. Live insects move quickly; dead nits appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑brown shells attached at a 45‑degree angle to the hair shaft. Identify at least one live louse or several viable nits before proceeding.
Select a treatment based on availability and resistance patterns. Over‑the‑counter (OTC) options contain 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide. Prescription shampoos may contain 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % spinosad, or 0.025 % ivermectin. If the child has a known allergy or previous treatment failure, a prescription product is preferable. Follow the specific label instructions; do not mix products.
Application steps:
- Wash the child’s hair with a regular shampoo, rinse, and towel‑dry until damp.
- Apply the chosen lotion, shampoo, or mousse, covering the entire scalp and hair to a depth of at least 1 cm.
- Leave the product on for the time specified (usually 10 minutes for permethrin, 30 minutes for malathion). Do not exceed the recommended duration.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water; avoid hot water, which can irritate the scalp.
- Comb the hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb while it is still wet. Remove each louse and nit, wiping the comb on a paper towel after each pass.
- Repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for a total of three sessions, covering the life cycle of the egg (approximately 7–10 days).
After the initial treatment, repeat a second dose of the same product after 7–10 days, unless the label advises otherwise. This second application eliminates any newly hatched lice that survived the first round.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories until the treatment course is complete.
Monitor the child’s scalp daily for at least three weeks. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative medication or combination therapy.
By adhering to these steps—accurate detection, proper product selection, meticulous application, repeated combing, and thorough cleaning—the infestation can be eradicated efficiently and safely.