How do you treat a child's hair for lice and nits? - briefly
Use a fine-tooth nit comb on wet, conditioned hair after applying a child‑safe pediculicide, and repeat the combing in 7–10 days to remove any newly hatched eggs. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How do you treat a child's hair for lice and nits? - in detail
Treating a child’s head‑lice infestation requires a systematic approach that includes diagnosis, medication, nit removal, and environmental control.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable eggs by parting the hair in small sections and inspecting the scalp with a fine‑toothed comb. Live insects appear as small, grayish insects about the size of a sesame seed; nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft, close to the scalp.
Select an appropriate pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter options contain 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide. Apply the product according to the label: saturate dry hair, leave it on for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, prescription agents such as 0.5 % malathion or 0.05 % ivermectin may be required; these should be used under medical supervision.
After the initial treatment, remove nits mechanically. Use a stainless‑steel nit comb with 0.2 mm teeth. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section, wiping the teeth after every pass. Repeat the combing process for at least three consecutive days, as any surviving eggs will hatch within 7–10 days.
A second application of the pediculicide is essential. Follow the product’s re‑treatment interval—typically 7 days—to eliminate newly emerged lice that survived the first dose.
Sanitize personal items and the environment to prevent re‑infestation. Wash bedding, clothing, 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 plastic bags for two weeks or treated with a dry‑heat method (e.g., a tumble dryer on high heat for 30 minutes). Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean the canister afterward.
Monitor the child’s hair daily for at least three weeks. If live lice are observed after the second treatment, repeat the full protocol or consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapy.
Document each step: date of initial treatment, product used, re‑application date, and results of comb checks. This record aids in assessing effectiveness and guides any necessary escalation.