What can be used at home to treat a child's head for lice? - briefly
Effective home options include an OTC lice shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin, applied according to the package directions, followed by thorough combing with a fine-toothed nit comb. Additional measures such as applying petroleum jelly to the scalp before treatment, using a diluted tea‑tree‑oil rinse, and washing all bedding and clothing in hot water help eliminate remaining nits.
What can be used at home to treat a child's head for lice? - in detail
Treating head lice at home requires a combination of chemical or natural agents, thorough combing, and proper cleaning of the environment.
A 1 % permethrin lotion or shampoo is the most widely recommended over‑the‑counter option. Apply to dry hair, leave for the time specified on the product label (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched nymphs.
If a prescription is preferred, 0.5 % malathion or 0.05 % spinosad are effective alternatives. These require a longer contact period (often 8–12 hours) and should be used according to medical guidance.
For families seeking non‑chemical methods, a heated oil treatment (olive or coconut oil warmed to body temperature) can suffocate lice. Apply a generous amount, cover the head with a shower cap, and leave for 30–45 minutes before combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Repeat weekly for three cycles.
A vinegar rinse (5 % acetic acid) can help loosen the glue that holds nits to hair shafts. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, pour over the scalp, let sit for 5 minutes, then comb out. This method does not kill lice but aids mechanical removal.
Mechanical removal remains essential. Use a metal nit comb with 0.15 mm spacing, working section by section from scalp outward. Comb each strand at least three times, wiping the comb after each pass. Perform this process daily for a week, then every other day for an additional week.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. 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 should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –18 °C for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, then discard the vacuum bag.
Avoid using petroleum jelly, hair spray, or nail polish remover, as these substances can interfere with treatment efficacy and may cause skin irritation.
In summary, an effective home regimen combines a proven topical insecticide (permethrin, malathion, or spinosad) or a suffocating oil, systematic nit combing, and thorough laundering or isolation of personal items. Repeating the process according to the product’s schedule eliminates the infestation and prevents recurrence.