How to treat nits and lice in children? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (e.g., 1% permethrin) to dry hair, leave for the recommended time, rinse, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days; after each application, comb out all remaining nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to treat nits and lice in children? - in detail
Head lice infestations affect children frequently; prompt, thorough management prevents spread and reduces discomfort.
First, confirm the presence of live insects and viable eggs. Use a fine-tooth lice comb on wet, conditioned hair; examine combed material under adequate lighting. Live lice appear as small, grayish‑brown insects; nits cling tightly to the shaft within 1 cm of the scalp and are oval, opaque, and firmly attached.
Non‑chemical measures can reduce the population before or alongside medication:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal items that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs containing eggs.
- Comb hair daily with a fine‑tooth nit comb for 10–14 days; remove each visible nits before discarding the comb.
Over‑the‑counter pediculicides are the primary pharmacologic option. Recommended products contain 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide. Application guidelines:
- Apply the lotion or shampoo to dry hair, following the package instructions precisely.
- Leave the product on the scalp for the specified time (usually 10 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly, then comb hair with a nit comb to extract dead lice and nits.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched insects that survived the first dose.
Prescription treatments are reserved for resistant cases or when OTC agents fail. Options include:
- 0.5 % malathion lotion, applied for 8–12 hours before washing.
- 0.1 % ivermectin lotion, applied for 10 minutes and left on without rinsing.
- Oral ivermectin, administered as a single dose of 200 µg/kg; a repeat dose after 7 days may be required.
Safety considerations:
- Verify the child’s age and weight against product labeling; most OTC formulations are approved for children ≥ 2 years.
- Avoid use on broken skin or irritated scalp.
- Do not combine multiple chemical treatments; resistance can develop.
Follow‑up protocol:
- Perform a thorough comb check 24 hours after the second treatment; any remaining live lice indicate treatment failure.
- Continue daily nit combing for at least two weeks to catch late hatchlings.
- Inform schools, daycare centers, and close contacts so they can inspect and treat if necessary.
Effective management combines accurate diagnosis, appropriate chemical or mechanical treatment, environmental decontamination, and diligent follow‑up.