How to get rid of lice from children's hair? - briefly
Use a 1 % permethrin shampoo according to label directions, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits; repeat the treatment after seven days. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat to eliminate remaining eggs.
How to get rid of lice from children's hair? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations in children requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment, environmental decontamination, and vigilant follow‑up.
Accurate identification begins with a visual inspection of the scalp and hair shafts. Live insects appear as brownish, mobile bodies about 2–3 mm long. Nits are oval, firmly attached to the hair close to the scalp, typically within 1 cm of the root. Detection of three or more viable nits confirms an active infestation.
First‑line pharmacologic options include topical pediculicides containing either permethrin 1 % or dimethicone 4 %. Apply the product to dry hair, ensuring complete coverage from scalp to hair tips. Leave the preparation on the scalp for the time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate newly hatched lice that survived the initial application.
Non‑chemical alternatives rely on mechanical removal. Wet‑combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb, performed on damp, conditioned hair, eliminates both insects and eggs. Conduct combing sessions at 2–3 day intervals for a minimum of one week, followed by a final combing after 10 days. Essential‑oil formulations (e.g., tea‑tree or neem oil) may supplement treatment, but current evidence supports their use only as adjuncts, not as primary agents.
Environmental control minimizes reinfestation. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or dry‑clean them. Place non‑launderable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately after use.
Follow‑up examinations should occur weekly for three weeks after the final treatment. Remove any residual nits using a fine comb and document the absence of live lice. Educate caregivers on avoiding head‑to‑head contact, discouraging the sharing of hats, hairbrushes, and headphones, and maintaining regular scalp checks during peak transmission seasons.