How should I treat head lice in a child? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion, follow the label’s contact time, rinse, and comb out nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How should I treat head lice in a child? - in detail
Head lice infestations in children require prompt identification and systematic intervention. Live insects and viable eggs (nits) are usually found close to the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Presence of itching, visible lice, or brownish specks attached to hair shafts confirms the diagnosis.
Mechanical removal involves a fine-toothed lice comb used on wet, conditioned hair. Comb through each section from scalp to tip, rinsing the comb after each pass. Repeat the process daily for at least one week to capture newly hatched nymphs that emerge after the initial treatment.
Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are first‑line chemical options. Apply according to the product label: saturate dry hair, leave for the specified duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. A second application is recommended 7–10 days later to eliminate any surviving eggs. For resistant cases, prescription‑only agents such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % benzyl alcohol, or 0.025 % ivermectin may be employed under medical supervision, observing age restrictions and contraindications.
Safety considerations include avoiding excessive exposure to the scalp, especially in children under two years of age, and ensuring the product does not contact eyes or mucous membranes. After treatment, wash the child's clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 54 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks or placed in a freezer for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray lice and nits.
Follow‑up examinations should occur 7 days after the initial treatment and again after the second application. Absence of live lice and nits confirms successful eradication. Persistent infestation warrants re‑evaluation by a healthcare professional to assess possible resistance or reinfestation sources.