How to use chlorine water for lice on children? - briefly
Dilute regular household bleach (5‑6 % sodium hypochlorite) to roughly 0.5 % by mixing one part bleach with ten parts water, apply the solution to the child’s scalp, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and follow with a normal shampoo. Do not apply to irritated or broken skin, keep the mixture away from eyes and mouth, and seek pediatric guidance before use.
How to use chlorine water for lice on children? - in detail
Chlorine solution can be employed as a chemical agent against head‑lice infestations in pediatric patients, but its use demands strict adherence to safety protocols.
First, prepare a dilute mixture. Combine 1 ml of household bleach (5–6 % sodium hypochlorite) with 1 L of warm water, achieving a concentration of approximately 0.005 % free chlorine. Stir thoroughly and let the solution stand for 5 minutes to ensure even distribution.
Before application, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the diluted solution to a discreet area of the child’s scalp, wait 5 minutes, and observe for irritation, redness, or burning. If any adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately.
For treatment, follow these steps:
- Wet the hair completely with the prepared solution, ensuring the scalp is saturated.
- Massage gently for 2–3 minutes to allow contact with lice and nits.
- Leave the solution on the scalp for 10 minutes; do not exceed this period to avoid chemical injury.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, removing all residues.
- Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb while still damp, eliminating dead insects and eggs.
- Repeat the procedure after 7 days to target any newly hatched lice.
Key precautions:
- Use only the specified dilution; higher concentrations cause severe skin burns and respiratory irritation.
- Do not apply to broken skin, open wounds, or irritated scalp.
- Keep the solution away from eyes; if contact occurs, flush immediately with copious water.
- Store the mixture in a clearly labeled container, out of reach of children.
- Avoid simultaneous use of other topical medications, which may increase toxicity.
Monitoring after treatment includes checking the scalp daily for live lice or viable nits. If infestation persists after two applications, consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapies such as permethrin or ivermectin, which have established safety profiles for children.
In summary, chlorine water can be an effective lice‑killing agent when prepared at a low concentration, applied correctly, and accompanied by rigorous safety measures.