How can you treat children's lice at home? - briefly
Use an OTC lice shampoo or lotion containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% malathion, apply according to the label, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove nits, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days. Wash all clothing, bedding, and hair‑care items in hot water and dry on high heat to prevent re‑infestation.
How can you treat children's lice at home? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations in children can be accomplished safely at home by following a systematic approach that combines effective medication, thorough cleaning, and careful monitoring.
Begin with an over‑the‑counter pediculicide approved for pediatric use. Choose a product containing either permethrin (1 %) or dimethicone, and follow the label precisely: apply the lotion or shampoo to dry hair, massage to ensure full coverage, leave on for the recommended duration, then rinse. After the first application, repeat the treatment after seven days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial dose.
While the medication works, remove live lice and nits manually. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp, pull the comb through each section, and wipe the teeth with a tissue after each pass. Continue combing until no nits are visible within a half‑inch of the scalp. Perform this combing daily for at least three days, then every other day for a week.
Clean personal items and the household environment to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Consider adjunctive non‑chemical options only if the child has a sensitivity to standard pediculicides. Dimethicone‑based products act by coating the lice, causing dehydration, and have a low risk of irritation. Essential‑oil preparations (e.g., tea‑tree or lavender) lack consistent evidence of efficacy and should not replace approved treatments.
Monitor the child’s scalp for three weeks after the final treatment. If live lice are observed, repeat the full regimen. Persistent infestation despite correct application may require prescription medication or professional evaluation.
Key points to remember:
- Use a licensed pediculicide and repeat after seven days.
- Comb hair daily with a fine‑toothed lice comb.
- Wash or isolate all potentially contaminated fabrics.
- Vacuum and clean the living environment.
- Continue observation for three weeks; seek medical advice if needed.