How to destroy lice on children's heads? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion approved for children, leave it on the scalp for the recommended time, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to extract live insects and eggs. Clean bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to destroy lice on children's heads? - in detail
Effective eradication of head lice in children requires a systematic approach that combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures.
The first step involves selecting an appropriate topical agent. Over‑the‑counter preparations containing 1 % permethrin or 0,5 % malathion are approved for pediatric use. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair shafts. Leave the medication on for the recommended duration, typically 10 minutes for permethrin and 8 hours for malathion, then rinse thoroughly.
A second, essential component is mechanical removal. After treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb to separate each strand of hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. Perform combing in sections, repeating the process at least twice daily for ten days to capture newly hatched nymphs.
Environmental control reduces re‑infestation risk. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward.
A concise protocol can be summarized as follows:
- Apply a licensed pediculicide (permethrin 1 % or malathion 0,5 %); follow label timing.
- Rinse and dry hair; repeat application after seven days to eliminate surviving eggs.
- Comb hair with a nit comb twice daily for ten days; clean comb after each pass.
- Launder all personal items in hot water; dry on high heat or seal non‑washable items for fourteen days.
- Vacuum living areas; dispose of vacuum contents safely.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Inspect the scalp every 2–3 days for live lice or viable nits. Absence of live insects for two weeks confirms successful eradication.
If resistance to standard agents is suspected, a prescription‑only medication such as benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion or ivermectin may be considered under medical supervision.
Education of caregivers about early detection and prompt treatment prevents widespread outbreaks in schools and childcare settings.