How many days are lice and nits treated in a child? - briefly
Effective lice therapy for a child usually involves a first treatment followed by a repeat application after 7‑10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits. The overall process typically spans about two weeks.
How many days are lice and nits treated in a child? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations in children requires a defined timeline that addresses both live insects and their eggs.
A typical pediculicide protocol involves a single application of a recommended over‑the‑counter or prescription product, followed by a repeat dose after 7–10 days. The second treatment eliminates any newly hatched lice that survived the first application because eggs are resistant to most chemicals.
Concurrent mechanical removal of nits is essential. Daily wet‑combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb should begin immediately after the first application and continue for at least 14 days. This practice removes unattached eggs and any that hatch between chemical treatments.
When both chemical and mechanical steps are followed, complete clearance is usually achieved within 2–3 weeks. The schedule can be summarized as follows:
- Day 0: Apply first dose of lice treatment; start wet‑combing.
- Days 1‑7: Comb hair daily, inspecting for live lice and nits.
- Day 7‑10: Apply second dose of treatment.
- Days 8‑14: Continue daily combing; verify absence of live insects.
- Days 15‑21: Perform final inspection; no further treatment required if no lice are found.
If live lice persist after the second chemical application, a third dose may be administered after an additional 7 days, extending the total period to up to 28 days. Persistent infestation despite proper protocol warrants medical evaluation for alternative therapies.