How to destroy lice on a child? - briefly
Apply a pediatric‑approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion, leave it on for the recommended time, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to eliminate nits; repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days and launder all bedding and clothing in hot water.
How to destroy lice on a child? - in detail
Lice infestations on children require prompt, systematic action. First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits within two centimeters of the scalp. Use a fine-tooth comb on wet hair under bright light; move the comb from the scalp outward, inspecting each pass for eggs.
Effective eradication combines immediate treatment with thorough follow‑up. Choose one of the following options:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based shampoos). Apply according to the product label, leave for the specified duration, then rinse. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nits.
- Prescription medications (e.g., malathion 0.5 % lotion, ivermectin oral tablets). Use under medical supervision, following dosage guidelines for the child’s age and weight.
- Physical removal (wet‑comb method). After washing hair with a regular shampoo, apply a conditioner to reduce slip. Comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks, cleaning the comb after each pass.
- Alternative agents (dimethicone‑based lotions, essential‑oil formulations with proven efficacy). Apply as directed, ensuring no skin irritation occurs.
After the initial treatment, perform these steps:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray nits.
- Disinfect combs, brushes, and hair accessories by soaking in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for 10 minutes.
- Conduct a second nit‑comb session 7–10 days after the first to eliminate any eggs that survived the first round.
Monitoring continues for four weeks. Inspect the child’s scalp twice weekly; any recurrence warrants repeat treatment with a different class of pediculicide to avoid resistance.
Preventive measures include teaching children to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, and headrests, and maintaining regular hair‑comb checks in school or daycare settings. Consistent application of the outlined protocol eliminates the infestation and minimizes the risk of re‑infestation.