Lice on a child's head: how to get rid of them? - briefly
Apply a permethrin‑based shampoo or a dimethicone lotion as directed, then comb out all nits with a fine‑toothed comb and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
Lice on a child's head: how to get rid of them? - in detail
Head lice infestations in children require prompt, systematic action. The first step is accurate identification. Use a fine-tooth comb on damp hair under bright light; live insects appear as grayish‑brown bodies about 2–3 mm long, while nits cling tightly to the shaft within 1 cm of the scalp. Confirm presence before treatment.
Effective eradication consists of three concurrent measures:
- Chemical or non‑chemical treatment: Apply a pediculicide approved for pediatric use (e.g., 1 % permethrin lotion) according to label instructions, leaving it on the scalp for the specified duration. For families preferring non‑chemical options, a heated oil (e.g., coconut or olive oil) applied for 30 minutes, followed by thorough combing, can suffocate insects. Repeat the entire regimen after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs.
- Mechanical removal: After the product has dried, comb the hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb at 2‑cm intervals from scalp to tips. Perform this process every 2–3 hours for the first 24 hours, then twice daily for the next three days. Dispose of each combed section in sealed plastic before cleaning the comb.
- Environmental decontamination: Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items worn or used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 50 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard or clean hair accessories and brushes in hot, soapy water.
Preventive steps reduce recurrence:
- Instruct children to avoid head‑to‑head contact during play.
- Advise against sharing combs, hats, helmets, or headphones.
- Encourage regular hair checks, especially after school or camps.
- Maintain a clean household environment by washing towels and pillowcases weekly.
Monitoring continues for at least four weeks. Re‑examine the scalp every 3–4 days; if live lice are observed after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative agents such as benzyl‑phenyl‑acetate or ivermectin lotion. Documentation of treatment dates and outcomes helps track effectiveness and informs school notification policies, where required.