How should children be treated for lice? - briefly
Treat head lice with a certified pediculicide product applied as directed, followed by thorough combing with a nit comb to eliminate nits. Repeat the application after 7–10 days and launder all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water.
How should children be treated for lice? - in detail
Head lice infestations in school‑age children require immediate identification and systematic eradication. Early detection relies on visual inspection of the scalp and hair, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and the crown. Presence of live nits within ¼ inch of the scalp confirms active infestation.
Effective management combines chemical agents, mechanical removal, and environmental measures. Recommended options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin with piperonyl‑butoxide. Apply to dry hair, leave for the time specified on the product label (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
- Prescription‑only treatments such as 0.5 % malathion or oral ivermectin for cases resistant to first‑line agents. Dosage follows pediatric guidelines and requires medical supervision.
- Fine‑toothed nit combs used on wet, conditioned hair. Comb from scalp to tips in systematic sections, cleaning the comb after each pass. Perform daily sessions for at least 10 days.
- Adjunctive measures: wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray lice.
Post‑treatment verification involves re‑inspection of the scalp 24 hours after the second application. Absence of live lice confirms success; any remaining nits should be removed manually. Continue weekly checks for four weeks to detect possible reinfestation.
Prevention strategies focus on minimizing head‑to‑head contact, discouraging sharing of hats, hair accessories, and personal grooming tools, and educating caregivers about early signs of infestation. Implementing these practices reduces recurrence and limits spread within households and schools.