How many days should a child be treated for lice? - briefly
A lice treatment regimen for a child generally lasts seven days, with a second application scheduled after the first week to eliminate newly hatched insects. This two‑step approach ensures complete eradication.
How many days should a child be treated for lice? - in detail
The recommended treatment period for a child infested with head lice depends on the product used and the life cycle of the parasite. Pediculicide shampoos or lotions containing permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based formulas are applied once, left on the scalp for the prescribed time, then rinsed. Because eggs (nits) survive the initial dose, a second application is required 7–10 days after the first to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
If the first treatment fails, a third application may be needed after another 7 days. In most cases, three applications spaced a week apart eradicate the infestation. Non‑chemical methods—wet combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb, repeated every 2–3 days for two weeks—achieve similar results when performed consistently.
Typical protocol:
- Day 0: Apply approved lice medication according to label instructions.
- Day 1–2: Comb hair with a nit comb to remove dead insects and loosen eggs.
- Day 7–10: Repeat medication application.
- Day 8–12: Continue nit‑combing daily.
- Day 14–21: Perform final combing sessions; no further medication needed if no live lice are found.
Prescription options such as ivermectin or malathion follow the same repeat‑after‑7‑days schedule but may require longer monitoring, up to 21 days, especially in resistant cases.
Guidelines from health authorities advise checking the child’s scalp every 2 days during the treatment window. Absence of live lice after the second or third application confirms successful clearance; persistent live insects indicate resistance or incomplete coverage and warrant a different therapeutic agent.
In summary, a standard regimen consists of an initial dose, a repeat dose after one week, and vigilant combing for two weeks, with a possible third dose if live lice remain. This timeframe aligns with the 7‑ to 10‑day hatching cycle of lice eggs and ensures complete eradication.