How to treat children for lice? - briefly
Use a medicated shampoo or lotion containing 1% permethrin, apply according to the package instructions, then comb out nits with a fine-toothed comb. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and repeat treatment in 7‑10 days to eliminate any surviving eggs.
How to treat children for lice? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations in children requires a systematic approach that combines safe medication, thorough combing, environmental control, and follow‑up checks.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on damp hair, sectioning the scalp and pulling the comb through each strand from the scalp outward. Examine the comb after each pass; any live insects or nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp confirm infestation.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide. Options include:
- 1 % permethrin lotion or shampoo, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- 0.5 % malathion cream, applied to dry hair, left for 8–12 hours, then washed off.
- Dimethicone‑based products, which coat and immobilize insects without neurotoxic action.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, covering the entire scalp and hair length. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency.
Third, perform a wet‑combing session 24 hours after treatment. Wet the hair with a conditioner, then comb with a fine lice comb from the scalp to the tips, cleaning the comb after each stroke. Repeat this process every 2–3 days for a total of three sessions to remove any newly hatched nits.
Fourth, address personal items and the environment:
- 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 (e.g., stuffed animals) in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
Fifth, monitor the child’s scalp twice weekly for four weeks. If live lice are observed after the second treatment, repeat the pediculicide according to label guidelines, or switch to an alternative class of product.
Finally, educate caregivers about preventive measures: avoid head‑to‑head contact, discourage sharing of hats, hair accessories, and personal grooming tools, and perform routine checks after group activities such as school or sports.
Adhering to these steps maximizes eradication success while minimizing the risk of resistance or adverse reactions.