What helps against lice for a child? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo (e.g., permethrin or pyrethrin) and then comb the hair thoroughly with a fine‑toothed nit comb to eliminate lice and nits. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the surroundings to reduce the risk of re‑infestation.
What helps against lice for a child? - in detail
Effective measures for a child dealing with head‑lice infestations combine immediate removal, safe treatments, and preventive habits.
First‑line therapy involves topical pediculicides approved for pediatric use. Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied to dry hair for ten minutes before rinsing, eliminates most live insects and nymphs. Dimethicone‑based liquids or sprays work by coating the lice, causing dehydration without neurotoxic chemicals; they are suitable for children under two years when labeled accordingly. Both products require a second application 7–10 days after the initial treatment to target newly hatched nymphs that survived the first dose.
Mechanical removal complements chemical agents. A fine‑toothed nit comb, used on wet, conditioned hair, extracts live lice and eggs. Perform combing at least twice daily for a week, dividing the scalp into sections and cleaning the comb after each pass. This method reduces reliance on repeated chemical exposure and confirms treatment success.
Environmental control limits re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks, as lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray nymphs; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
Preventive practices sustain a lice‑free status. Teach children to avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, headphones, and other personal items. Regularly inspect the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape, using a flashlight and comb. Maintain short, clean hairstyles where feasible, as hair length does not cause infestations but can hinder detection and removal.
If standard treatments fail, consult a healthcare professional. Prescription‑strength options such as malathion 0.5 % or oral ivermectin may be indicated, but they require medical supervision due to potential side effects.
Monitoring continues for at least three weeks after the final application. Absence of live lice or viable eggs during this period confirms eradication. Document any recurring cases to identify possible sources, such as school contacts, and coordinate with caregivers for collective treatment if necessary.