How many days does it take to eliminate lice from a child? - briefly
Effective treatment usually eradicates an infestation within 7–10 days when the prescribed regimen is applied correctly and all nits are removed. A repeat application after 7 days secures elimination of any remaining eggs.
How many days does it take to eliminate lice from a child? - in detail
The average life cycle of a head‑lice egg (nit) lasts about 7 days before hatching. An adult louse can survive on a host for up to 30 days, laying 5‑10 eggs each day. Because of this cycle, a single treatment rarely removes all stages; a follow‑up is essential.
Typical eradication protocol:
- Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion according to the product label; leave the solution on the scalp for the specified time (usually 10‑15 minutes).
- Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb while the product remains wet; remove all visible nits and lice.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeat the application after 7 days to target newly hatched lice that survived the first round.
- Perform a second nit‑comb session 2‑3 days after the repeat treatment to clear any remaining eggs.
Additional measures that influence the timeline:
- Daily wet‑combing for 5‑7 days after the second treatment reduces reinfestation risk.
- Washing bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing non‑washable items in a plastic bag for 48 hours eliminates dormant lice.
- Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture removes stray nits; no additional time is required beyond the initial cleaning.
When all steps are followed, complete elimination is typically achieved within 10‑14 days from the first application. Persistent cases may require a third treatment cycle after 14 days, especially if resistance to the initial pediculicide is suspected. Regular inspection of the scalp for live insects or viable nits should continue for 2 weeks after the final treatment to confirm success.