How to eliminate lice on a teenager?

How to eliminate lice on a teenager? - briefly

Apply a 1% permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo according to the label, then comb out all nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat to prevent reinfestation.

How to eliminate lice on a teenager? - in detail

Treating a teenager’s head‑lice infestation requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, thorough combing, environmental cleaning, and follow‑up checks.

First, select an approved pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter products containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are effective when applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed. For resistant cases, a prescription‑only lotion with 0.05 % ivermectin may be used; follow the physician’s instructions precisely.

Second, perform wet combing immediately after treatment. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on thoroughly dampened hair, section by section, pulling the comb from scalp to tips. Repeat the process for at least 15 minutes, cleaning the comb after each pass. This mechanical step removes live lice and viable eggs that survived the chemical exposure.

Third, repeat the chemical application and combing after 7–10 days. This interval targets any newly hatched nymphs that escaped the first round, preventing re‑infestation.

Fourth, decontaminate personal items. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑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 –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least 24 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray nits.

Fifth, limit head‑to‑head contact for two weeks. Advise the teenager to avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, headphones, or sports equipment. Provide a personal comb and discourage borrowing personal grooming tools.

Finally, schedule a follow‑up inspection 14 days after the second treatment. Examine the scalp for live lice or viable eggs; if any are found, repeat the entire protocol. Maintaining vigilance during this period ensures complete eradication and reduces the risk of recurrence.