How to destroy lice on children? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion (or a 0.5 % malathion rinse) to the child’s hair, leave it for the manufacturer‑specified time, then rinse and comb the scalp with a fine‑toothed nit comb; wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry them on high heat. Repeat the entire process after 7–10 days to eradicate any remaining nits.
How to destroy lice on children? - in detail
Head lice infestations affect children frequently because close contact and shared items facilitate transmission. Prompt identification and comprehensive treatment reduce spread and recurrence.
Detection
- Examine the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape, for live insects or nits attached within 1 cm of the hair shaft.
- Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on damp hair; slide the comb from root to tip, wiping each pass on white paper to reveal any captured specimens.
Chemical treatment
- Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin according to the product label; leave on the scalp for the recommended duration, typically 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- For resistant infestations, a prescription‑only preparation such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % ivermectin, or a benzyl alcohol lotion may be required; follow medical guidance for dosage and repeat application after 7–10 days.
Mechanical removal
- After chemical treatment, comb the hair with a fine lice comb at 2‑hour intervals for 48 hours to eliminate surviving nymphs and nits.
- Repeat the combing process for three consecutive days; each session should last at least 10 minutes per child.
Environmental measures
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any remaining lice.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the scalp 7 days after the initial treatment; if live lice are present, repeat the chosen chemical or mechanical method.
- Educate caregivers about avoiding head-to-head contact, not sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories, and performing weekly scalp checks during outbreaks.
By combining accurate diagnosis, appropriate medicated products, meticulous combing, and strict hygiene practices, infestations can be eradicated efficiently and recurrence minimized.