How to remove lice at home from children? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo, then comb the hair with a fine-tooth nit comb while it is still wet, repeating the process every 7 days for two cycles; simultaneously wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate any surviving eggs.
How to remove lice at home from children? - in detail
Detecting an infestation early prevents spread. Examine the scalp under bright light, part hair close to the scalp, and look for live insects about 2–3 mm long or tiny gray‑white nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft. If several insects or nits are seen, begin treatment immediately.
Prepare the child by washing hair with a regular shampoo, rinsing thoroughly, and towel‑drying until damp. Apply a lice‑killing product according to the label: most over‑the‑counter options contain 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Spread the lotion or cream over the entire scalp and hair, covering from roots to tips. Leave it for the prescribed time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse with warm water. Do not use excessive amounts; follow the concentration guidelines to avoid irritation.
After the chemical step, remove remaining nits manually. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair. Divide hair into sections, start at the scalp, and pull the comb through each strand, wiping the comb with a tissue after each pass. Repeat the combing process for at least 30 minutes, covering all sections. A second combing session 7–10 days later eliminates any newly hatched lice.
If chemical treatments are unsuitable, consider non‑chemical alternatives. Apply a mixture of 20 % dimethicone oil or a petroleum‑based product to the scalp, ensuring full coverage. Cover the head with a plastic cap for 8–12 hours, then wash out the product and comb out nits as described above. This method suffocates the insects without neurotoxic agents.
Sanitize the environment to stop re‑infestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Monitor the child for three weeks. Examine the scalp twice weekly; if live insects reappear, repeat the treatment cycle. Persistent cases may require prescription‑strength medication, such as 0.5 % malathion or oral ivermectin, administered under medical supervision.
By combining chemical or silicone‑based treatment, thorough nit removal, and rigorous cleaning of personal items, head‑lice infestations in children can be eliminated effectively at home.