How to remove lice from a child under one year? - briefly
Apply a baby‑safe lice product (e.g., 1% permethrin lotion) to damp hair, leave it for the recommended time, then comb the scalp with a fine‑toothed lice comb to extract nits. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How to remove lice from a child under one year? - in detail
Infants can become infested with head‑lice, and treatment must prioritize safety, effectiveness, and minimal irritation.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet hair, examining the scalp for translucent eggs attached within 1 cm of the hair shaft. If only empty shells are seen, the infestation may have cleared.
Second, choose a non‑chemical approach whenever possible. Apply a generous amount of warm, plain water to the hair, then comb through with a fine lice comb, pulling each strand taut to expose the scalp. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel; discard any lice or nits found. Repeat the combing process at 24‑hour intervals for three consecutive days to capture newly hatched insects.
If a pediculicide is deemed necessary, select a product specifically labeled for infants under 12 months and follow the manufacturer’s dosage precisely. Typically, a single application of a 0.5 % permethrin lotion is permitted, leaving it on the scalp for the recommended 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Do not repeat the treatment without medical advice, as overexposure can cause skin irritation.
After treatment, wash all bedding, towels, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to kill any dormant lice. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, and clean hairbrushes by soaking them in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes.
Finally, monitor the child’s scalp daily for two weeks. If live lice reappear or the scalp becomes inflamed, consult a pediatrician promptly. Prevent future infestations by avoiding head‑to‑head contact with other children, regularly inspecting hair after playdates, and keeping personal items (hats, brushes) separate.