How to remove lice at home for a child? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo or a petroleum‑based product, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb every 15‑20 minutes for two hours, removing all nits. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to catch any newly hatched lice.
How to remove lice at home for a child? - in detail
Lice infestations in children demand swift, safe action. The following protocol details an effective home‑based approach.
First, isolate the affected child to prevent spread. Gather a fine‑toothed lice comb, a regular plastic comb, a bowl of warm water, a mild detergent or specialized lice shampoo, disposable gloves, and clean towels. Wash the child’s hair with a regular shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel‑dry.
Next, apply a lice‑killing product that contains 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, following the label’s timing instructions. Leave the solution on the scalp for the recommended period, usually 10 minutes, then rinse completely with warm water. If a chemical product is unavailable, a 20 % vinegar solution can be used as a non‑prescription alternative; apply, let sit for 5 minutes, and rinse.
After the chemical step, perform wet combing:
- Wet the hair with a generous amount of conditioner to keep strands slippery.
- Starting at the scalp, run the fine‑toothed comb through a small section (2–3 cm) toward the hair tips.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel or rinse in the water bowl.
- Repeat the process on all sections, covering the entire head.
- Remove the combed hair and place it in a sealed bag for disposal.
Repeat the wet‑combing session every 2–3 days for ten days to capture newly hatched nits. During this period, wash the child’s bedding, pillowcases, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, then seal any non‑washable items in a plastic bag for two weeks.
Finally, educate caregivers and the child about avoidance measures: discourage head‑to‑head contact, avoid sharing combs, hats, or headphones, and conduct weekly inspections of hair during the next month.
Following these steps eliminates active lice, removes residual eggs, and reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation.