How to treat children's lice? - briefly
Apply a 1% permethrin shampoo or 0.5% malathion lotion as directed, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb to eliminate nits. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after seven days to prevent re‑infestation.
How to treat children's lice? - in detail
Treating head lice in children requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or non‑chemical agents, thorough combing, and environmental decontamination.
First, confirm the infestation by examining the scalp for live lice or viable nits within ¼ inch of the hair shaft. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair to improve visibility.
Select an appropriate pediculicide. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse. Repeat after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched insects.
- Dimethicone‑based silicone oil – coat hair, leave for at least 30 minutes, then wash. Offers a non‑neurotoxic alternative.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension – apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, rinse. Effective against resistant strains.
If a chemical product is contraindicated, use mechanical removal:
- Wet hair with a generous amount of conditioner.
- Comb from scalp to ends with a fine lice comb, wiping the comb after each pass.
- Repeat the combing session every 2–3 days for two weeks.
After treatment, wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
Close contacts—siblings, classmates, and caregivers—should be examined and treated prophylactically if lice are detected.
Monitor the child’s scalp for 2–3 weeks. Persistent nits may indicate treatment failure; consider switching to an alternative pediculicide or combining chemical treatment with repeat combing.
Consult a pediatrician if irritation, allergic reaction, or persistent infestation occurs despite proper protocol.