How to remove lice from a child's head at home? - briefly
Treat the scalp with an approved lice medication or a 1 % permethrin solution, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb while it is damp and conditioned, removing every visible nymph and egg. Repeat the procedure after seven days and launder all bedding and clothing in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How to remove lice from a child's head at home? - in detail
Head lice infestations demand prompt, systematic action to eradicate the parasites and prevent re‑infestation. Begin by confirming the presence of live insects or viable nits within a few centimeters of the scalp. Use a fine‑toothed louse comb on a well‑lit area; live lice move quickly, while nits appear as tiny, oval, tan‑white structures cemented to hair shafts.
Preparation
- Gather a nit‑comb, a fine‑toothed metal or plastic variant, and a suitable treatment product (e.g., a pediculicide shampoo, a dimethicone‑based lotion, or a botanical oil).
- Choose a well‑ventilated space; lay a towel or sheet on the floor for easy cleanup.
- Wash the child’s hair with a regular shampoo to remove excess oils and debris, then towel‑dry until damp but not dripping.
Application of Treatment
- Apply the chosen solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring complete coverage from scalp to hair tips.
- Allow the product to remain on the hair for the specified duration (typically 5–10 minutes for chemical agents, 30 minutes for silicone‑based liquids).
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, avoiding harsh scrubbing that could damage the scalp.
Mechanical Removal
- While the hair is still damp, section it into manageable portions.
- Starting at the scalp, run the nit‑comb through each section slowly, moving from root to tip.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to inspect for captured lice or nits; discard any captured insects.
- Repeat the combing process at least three times per section, then move to the next.
Post‑Treatment Protocol
- Repeat the entire combing routine after 7–10 days, when any surviving eggs have hatched.
- Perform a final combing session 14 days after the first treatment to confirm eradication.
- Wash all bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to kill dormant nits.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard used combs or sanitize them with hot, soapy water.
Preventive Measures
- Advise the child to avoid head‑to‑head contact during play and to keep personal items (combs, helmets, headphones) separate.
- Conduct weekly inspections of hair, especially after school or group activities, to catch early signs of re‑infestation.
By following this structured regimen—verification, chemical or silicone treatment, meticulous combing, repeat sessions, and environmental sanitation—parents can effectively eliminate lice from a child’s scalp without clinical intervention.