How to eliminate lice in a small child? - briefly
Treat the child with an FDA‑approved lice medication such as 1% permethrin shampoo, follow the label’s timing, rinse, and comb out all nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water, vacuum the environment, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to prevent re‑infestation.
How to eliminate lice in a small child? - in detail
Treat the infestation promptly, using a systematic approach that combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures.
Begin with a safe, age‑appropriate pediculicide. For children under two years, products containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are approved. Apply the lotion or shampoo according to the label: coat dry hair, leave for the specified time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nymphs.
After the chemical step, remove remaining lice and eggs manually. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb through each section, cleaning the teeth after every pass. Continue until no live insects or nits are visible; this may require several sessions over several days.
Disinfect personal items and the environment. Wash the child’s bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward. Avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or combs until the infestation is cleared.
Monitor the child’s scalp daily for at least two weeks. If live lice reappear after the second treatment, repeat the entire protocol. Persistent cases may warrant prescription‑strength medication, such as a 0.5 % malathion lotion, administered under pediatric supervision.
Educate caregivers on prevention: keep hair tied back, limit head‑to‑head contact during play, and perform regular checks, especially after group activities. Consistent application of these steps eliminates the problem efficiently and minimizes the risk of recurrence.