Lice on a child's head – what to do? - briefly
Examine the child’s hair, apply an approved lice treatment while combing with a fine-toothed nit comb, then wash bedding, clothing, and vacuum the environment to prevent reinfestation.
Lice on a child's head – what to do? - in detail
Head lice infest a child’s scalp when adult females lay eggs (nits) near the hair roots. Early identification relies on visual inspection: use a fine‑tooth comb on damp hair, look for live insects about 2–3 mm long or oval, yellowish nits attached within 1 cm of the scalp.
Immediate actions
- Separate the affected child from classmates to limit spread.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags afterward.
Treatment options
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based products). Apply to dry hair, leave for the time specified on the label (usually 10 minutes), then rinse. Repeat after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.
- Prescription medications (malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion). Use when resistance to OTC agents is suspected; follow physician instructions precisely.
- Physical methods – dimethicone lotion or silicone‑based sprays suffocate lice without chemicals. Apply to dry hair, cover with a plastic cap for 8–12 hours, then rinse.
- Manual removal – wet‑comb technique with a fine‑tooth nit comb. Comb sections from scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass. Perform twice daily for ten days.
Nit removal protocol
- Comb hair while still damp; start at the crown, work toward the ends.
- Inspect each strand for attached nits; pull them off with tweezers if necessary.
- Dispose of removed nits in sealed containers; do not crush them.
Post‑treatment monitoring
- Re‑examine the scalp every 2–3 days for live lice or fresh nits.
- If live insects persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative therapy.
Prevention measures
- Instruct children to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or headphones.
- Encourage regular hair checks, especially after school or camp.
- Maintain clean personal items; store combs and brushes in hot water weekly.
Following these steps eliminates the infestation, prevents recurrence, and minimizes disruption to the child’s daily activities.