How to remove lice from a seven‑year‑old child? - briefly
Use a 1% permethrin shampoo, apply it to the child’s dry hair, leave it on for the specified time, rinse, and then comb out all nits with a fine‑tooth lice comb, repeating the combing after 7–10 days. Clean bedding, hats, and personal items by washing in hot water or sealing them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to remove lice from a seven‑year‑old child? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations from a seven‑year‑old requires a systematic approach that combines appropriate medication, meticulous combing, and environmental sanitation.
First, acquire the necessary supplies: a fine‑toothed lice comb, an approved pediculicide (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion or dimethicone‑based product), disposable gloves, a towel, and a plastic bag for waste. Read the product label carefully to confirm suitability for children of this age and follow dosage instructions exactly.
Chemical treatment
- Apply the medicated preparation to dry hair, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips.
- Leave the product on for the time specified on the label (usually 10 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water; avoid using hot water, which can cause scalp irritation.
- After rinsing, use the lice comb to remove dead insects and nits. Comb in sections, wiping the teeth with a damp cloth after each pass.
- Dispose of combed material in a sealed bag and discard it promptly.
Non‑chemical method (wet combing)
- Saturate hair with conditioner or a specialized lice‑removal solution.
- Separate hair into manageable sections.
- Starting at the scalp, draw the fine‑toothed comb through each section, moving slowly toward the ends.
- After each stroke, clean the comb teeth with a paper towel to prevent re‑infestation.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for ten days, as newly hatched nits emerge after the initial treatment window.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the past 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Place items that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
Follow‑up
- Conduct a thorough head inspection 7–10 days after the first treatment. Remove any remaining nits with the lice comb.
- Perform a second application of the pediculicide if live lice are observed, adhering to the interval recommended by the manufacturer (typically 7 days).
- Continue weekly checks for an additional two weeks to confirm eradication.
Adhering to these steps eliminates the infestation, minimizes the risk of recurrence, and ensures the child’s comfort and safety throughout the process.