What helps get rid of lice in children? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion or shampoo to dry hair, leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse, then comb with a fine‑toothed nit comb and repeat the process after 7–10 days; for resistant cases, a 0.5 % malathion preparation or a physician‑prescribed dose of oral ivermectin is effective.
What helps get rid of lice in children? - in detail
Effective elimination of head lice in children requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental management.
First, confirm infestation by inspecting the scalp for live lice or viable nits attached within 1 cm of the hair shaft. Use a fine-toothed lice comb on damp hair under bright light; a single live insect confirms the need for intervention.
Chemical agents constitute the primary line of defense. Over‑the‑counter products containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed thoroughly. Resistance to these formulations has increased; in such cases, prescription‑only options such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.6 % benzyl alcohol, or 0.05 % ivermectin provide alternatives. Follow the label instructions precisely, repeating the application after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs.
Mechanical removal supplements chemical therapy. After the initial treatment, comb the hair with a fine, metal lice comb at least twice daily for one week. Each pass should start at the scalp and progress toward the hair ends, removing both live insects and attached eggs. Dispose of combed material by flushing or sealing in a plastic bag.
Environmental measures reduce reinfestation risk. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the preceding 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks, a period sufficient for lice to die without a host. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to eliminate stray nits.
Monitoring continues for at least three weeks post‑treatment. Re‑examine the scalp weekly; if live lice reappear, repeat the chosen chemical regimen or switch to an alternative product.
Prevention focuses on minimizing head‑to‑head contact during play, avoiding sharing of hats, hairbrushes, or headphones, and educating caregivers about early detection signs. Implementing these combined strategies maximizes the likelihood of complete eradication and prevents recurrence.