How to remove lice in children? - briefly
Apply a licensed pediculicide to damp hair, leave it for the recommended time, then comb meticulously with a fine-toothed lice comb to remove live insects and eggs; repeat the process after 7–10 days and wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How to remove lice in children? - in detail
Eliminating head lice in children requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatments, meticulous combing, and environmental control.
Effective products include over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% malathion. Apply according to the label, ensuring the scalp remains wet for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. For families preferring non‑chemical options, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or essential‑oil blends (e.g., tea‑tree, neem) can be used, but verify concentration and safety for young users.
The core removal step is wet combing:
- Saturate hair with conditioner or a dedicated lice‑combing solution.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, starting at the scalp and pulling toward the ends.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to confirm removal, then clean the comb with hot, soapy water.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for ten days to catch newly hatched nymphs.
Additional measures:
- Wash 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 to starve any surviving insects.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately.
- Instruct the child to avoid head‑to‑head contact and sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or hair accessories.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Examine the scalp daily for live insects or viable nits; any detection warrants a repeat of the combing regimen. If infestation persists after two full cycles of treatment, seek medical advice for prescription‑strength options such as spinosad or ivermectin lotion.
Implementing these steps promptly and consistently eliminates the infestation and reduces the risk of re‑infestation.