How to treat a child for lice? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion as directed, leave it on for the specified period, then remove nits with a fine-toothed comb; repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water.
How to treat a child for lice? - in detail
Treating a child’s lice infestation requires a systematic approach that combines medication, thorough cleaning, and preventive measures.
First, select an appropriate pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter options containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide are effective for most cases. For resistant strains, a prescription lotion with 0.5 % ivermectin or benzyl alcohol 5 % may be necessary. Follow the label instructions precisely: apply the product to dry hair, cover the scalp for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly.
Second, remove nits manually. Use a fine‑toothed comb designed for lice, working section by section from the scalp outward. Comb each strand for at least five minutes, wiping the comb on a white towel after each pass to detect remaining eggs. Repeat this process every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.
Third, decontaminate personal items and the environment.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags afterward.
Fourth, educate caregivers and the child about avoidance of reinfestation. Advise against sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, and close head‑to‑head contact. Encourage regular inspection of the scalp, especially after school or camps, and prompt treatment at the first sign of recurrence.
Finally, monitor treatment efficacy. Examine the hair 7–10 days after the initial application; absence of live insects confirms success. If live lice persist, repeat the medication according to the product’s guidance, typically after 7 days. Persistent infestation after two treatment cycles warrants medical evaluation for alternative therapies.