How to remove lice from a teenager? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin shampoo, leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse, and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, repeating the treatment after 7–10 days. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
How to remove lice from a teenager? - in detail
Detecting an infestation requires a thorough inspection of the scalp and hair. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair, starting at the crown and moving outward. Look for live insects, eggs (nits) attached to the shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp, and small brown or reddish specks of blood.
Select a treatment method before beginning. Options include:
- Chemical pediculicides – OTC shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Follow the product label precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time, then rinse. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.
- Prescription agents – Malathion 0.5 % lotion or ivermectin oral tablets for resistant cases. Obtain a prescription and adhere to dosing instructions.
- Mechanical removal – Wet‑combing with a nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks. Soak hair in warm water, apply a generous amount of conditioner, and comb from scalp to tips, cleaning the comb after each pass.
- Alternative substances – Dimethicone‑based lotions or silicone oils that suffocate lice. Apply thickly, cover with a shower cap for 8–12 hours, then wash out and repeat after a week.
Prepare the environment to prevent re‑infestation:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags afterward.
- Instruct close contacts (family members, teammates) to examine their hair and treat if necessary.
After treatment, perform a follow‑up inspection every 2–3 days. Remove any remaining nits with the nit comb; residual eggs will not hatch if the adult lice have been eliminated. Continue monitoring for four weeks to confirm complete eradication.
Document the process, noting product used, application dates, and any adverse reactions. If lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapy.