What can be used to remove lice from a girl? - briefly
«Permethrin» 1 % shampoo applied according to the label kills head lice, and a fine‑toothed nit comb removes residual nits. Alternative options include dimethicone‑based lotions or malathion spray for resistant infestations.
What can be used to remove lice from a girl? - in detail
Lice infestation in a young female requires prompt, safe, and thorough eradication. Effective control combines topical agents, mechanical extraction, and environmental measures.
Topical pediculicides provide rapid knock‑down of active insects. Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for ten minutes, then rinsed, is the most widely recommended first‑line product. Pyrethrin formulations, used with a piperonyl‑butoxide enhancer, follow the same protocol but may be less effective against resistant strains. Malathion 0.5 % is reserved for cases where resistance to pyrethroids is confirmed; application time extends to twelve minutes, with strict avoidance of scalp irritation. Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion, a non‑neurotoxic option, requires eight hours of exposure before washing. All chemical treatments should be repeated after seven to ten days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Mechanical removal employs a fine‑toothed nit comb. Procedure: section hair, comb from scalp to tip, wipe comb after each pass, repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks. Comb use reduces reliance on chemicals and confirms the presence or absence of live lice. Success depends on thoroughness and consistent timing.
Natural agents offer adjunctive benefits. Dimethicone 4 % spray coats lice, immobilizing them without neurotoxic effects; application mirrors that of pediculicides and requires a second treatment after eight days. Tea tree oil (5 % dilution) and neem oil (10 % dilution) possess insecticidal properties but lack extensive clinical validation; they should be used only after patch testing for skin sensitivity.
Environmental decontamination prevents re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat. Items unable to withstand heat should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately after use.
Follow‑up assessment occurs fourteen days after initial treatment. Examine hair under bright light; residual live lice indicate treatment failure, necessitating a different pediculicide or combination therapy. Absence of live insects confirms successful eradication.