Lice on a child's hair – how to get rid of them? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin preparation to the scalp, follow the label‑specified exposure time, then rinse and comb out all remaining nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the household to eliminate any surviving lice or eggs.
Lice on a child's hair – how to get rid of them? - in detail
Head‑lice infestation in children requires prompt, thorough action. First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts within two centimeters of the scalp. Use a fine‑toothed comb on a well‑lit area; move the comb slowly from root to tip, examining each strand.
Treatment options
- Pediculicide shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion. Apply according to label instructions, leave on for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat after seven to ten days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
- Dimethicone‑based products that coat and suffocate insects. Follow manufacturer directions; these formulations avoid neurotoxic resistance issues.
- Prescription oral ivermectin for cases resistant to topical agents. Dosage is weight‑based; a single dose often suffices, with a second dose after 7 days if needed.
- Manual removal using a nit‑comb with 0.04‑inch teeth. Comb hair in sections, rinsing the comb after each pass. Perform daily for ten consecutive days to catch any surviving nymphs.
Supportive measures
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray lice or nits.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, or headgear until the infestation is cleared.
Prevention
- Encourage regular inspection of hair, especially after school or camp.
- Teach children to keep personal items separate and to avoid head‑to‑head contact during play.
- Maintain a supply of an effective nit‑comb for periodic checks.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the child’s hair 14 days after the initial treatment. Absence of live lice and viable nits indicates success.
- If live insects reappear, repeat the chosen treatment or switch to an alternative class of pediculicide under medical guidance.
Effective eradication combines chemical or mechanical treatment, environmental decontamination, and vigilant monitoring. Consistent application of these steps eliminates the problem and reduces the risk of recurrence.