What can be used to remove lice at home from a child with long hair and nits? - briefly
A fine‑toothed nit comb applied after treating the scalp with a permethrin‑based lice shampoo (or, alternatively, with a coat of olive oil mixed with vinegar) can effectively eliminate both lice and their eggs in long hair.
What can be used to remove lice at home from a child with long hair and nits? - in detail
Eliminating head lice and their eggs in a child with long hair can be achieved with a combination of mechanical, chemical, and natural methods.
Wet‑comb technique
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner, olive oil, or a commercial lice‑combing lotion to damp hair.
- Divide hair into small sections; use a fine‑toothed nit comb, starting at the scalp and pulling straight to the ends.
- Wipe the comb on a white towel after each pass to detect captured insects.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to catch newly hatched nymphs.
Over‑the‑counter pediculicides
- Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin‑based products, used according to package directions, with a repeat treatment after 7–10 days.
- Dimethicone‑based lotions, which coat and suffocate lice and nits, require a 10‑minute exposure before washing.
Natural suffocants
- Coconut oil or mineral oil, saturated throughout the hair, left for several hours or overnight, then combed out.
- Tea tree oil (5 % dilution) mixed with a carrier oil, applied to scalp, left 30 minutes before combing.
- Mayonnaise or yogurt, applied thickly, covered with a shower cap for 2–3 hours, then combed.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal untouched items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up verification
- After each treatment, examine a small hair section under a magnifying lens to confirm the absence of live lice and viable nits.
- Continue inspections for four weeks to ensure complete eradication.
Combining wet‑combing with an appropriate pediculicide, complemented by oil‑based suffocants and strict environmental hygiene, provides the most reliable home‑based solution for a child with long hair and head‑lice infestation.