How should lice be treated in a girl?

How should lice be treated in a girl? - briefly

Apply a medicated lice shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following the product’s instructions for contact time and repeat treatment after 7–10 days. Comb out nits with a fine-toothed comb, wash clothing and bedding in hot water, and avoid sharing personal items.

How should lice be treated in a girl? - in detail

Head lice infestations require prompt, thorough action. Begin with accurate identification: live insects appear as grayish‑white nits attached to hair shafts within a half‑inch of the scalp, and adult lice move quickly when the head is examined under bright light. Once confirmed, follow these steps.

1. Select an appropriate pediculicide

   • Over‑the‑counter (OTC) options: 1% permethrin lotion, 0.5% pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide. Apply according to the package, ensuring the scalp and hair are fully saturated. Leave the product for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
   • Prescription alternatives: 0.05% malathion, 0.025% ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol 5% lotion. These are reserved for cases where OTC products fail or resistance is suspected.

2. Mechanical removal

   • After treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and work outward, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing session every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture any newly hatched lice.

3. Second treatment

   • Apply a repeat dose 7–10 days after the first application to eradicate any surviving nymphs that were protected by the egg shell during the initial exposure.

4. Environmental decontamination

   • Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
   • Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least 24 hours.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately.

5. Monitoring and follow‑up

   • Inspect the child’s hair daily for at least two weeks. Absence of live lice for 14 consecutive days confirms successful eradication.
   • If live insects reappear after the second treatment, consult a healthcare professional for alternative medication or combination therapy.

6. Prevention

   • Advise avoidance of head-to-head contact during play.
   • Recommend regular hair checks in school settings.
   • Encourage the use of personal items (combs, hats, headphones) exclusively by the child.

By adhering to a structured regimen—chemical treatment, diligent combing, repeat dosing, and thorough cleaning—head lice can be eliminated efficiently in a young female patient.