How should lice be removed from a child and which product should be used? - briefly
Apply a 1% permethrin lotion or shampoo, let it sit per instructions, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove live insects and eggs; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How should lice be removed from a child and which product should be used? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations from a child requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical extraction with a suitable pediculicide. The process begins with preparation, continues with treatment application, and ends with thorough follow‑up.
First, isolate the child’s hair on a clean, well‑lit surface. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably a metal or plastic model with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart. Comb the hair in sections from the scalp outward, wiping the comb on a white towel after each pass to detect live insects. Repeat the combing for at least 10 minutes, ensuring that every strand is examined. This step eliminates most live lice and nits before any chemical agent is introduced.
Second, select an FDA‑approved topical product that contains either 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion. Permethrin lotion is the first‑line choice for children older than two years; it acts by disrupting the insect’s nervous system and has a low toxicity profile. Apply the lotion according to the manufacturer’s instructions: dispense the measured dose onto dry hair, massage gently to coat the scalp, and leave it for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes). Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then dry the hair.
Third, conduct a second combing session 7–10 days after the initial treatment. This interval targets any newly hatched nits that survived the first application. Use the same nit comb, repeating the 10‑minute protocol. If live lice are still present, a second treatment with the same product may be administered, but do not exceed the label‑specified maximum number of applications within a month.
Fourth, implement environmental control measures. Wash the child’s bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to deprive lice of a host. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray hairs that may contain nits.
Finally, educate caregivers on early detection. Perform weekly inspections using the nit comb for at least one month after successful eradication. Prompt identification of a recurrence reduces the need for repeated chemical exposure.
Key points for effective eradication
- Use a nit comb with 0.2 mm spacing; comb for at least 10 minutes per session.
- Apply 1 % permethrin lotion (or 0.5 % malathion where permethrin resistance is suspected).
- Repeat combing 7–10 days post‑treatment; consider a second chemical application if live lice remain.
- Launder all washable items in hot water; seal non‑washable items for two weeks.
- Conduct weekly checks for a month to confirm clearance.
Following this protocol maximizes the likelihood of complete removal while minimizing the risk of resistance or adverse reactions.