What is best to buy for children with lice? - briefly
Purchase an FDA‑approved pediculicide such as 1 % permethrin shampoo or 0.5 % malathion lotion, follow the label directions precisely, and use a fine‑tooth lice comb to remove nits. Complement the treatment with regular laundering of bedding and clothing at 130 °F to prevent reinfestation.
What is best to buy for children with lice? - in detail
When confronting a head‑lice infestation in a child, the most reliable purchases fall into three categories: pharmacologic treatments, mechanical removal tools, and supportive hygiene products.
Pharmacologic options include over‑the‑counter shampoos and lotions that contain 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. These agents are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended time, then rinsed. A second application after seven days eliminates newly hatched nymphs. For cases where resistance is suspected, a 0.5 % malathion lotion or a 0.05 % ivermectin spray may be used under medical guidance.
Mechanical removal relies on a fine‑toothed lice comb. A stainless‑steel comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm efficiently extracts live insects and eggs when used on wet, conditioned hair. Repeating the combing process every 2–3 days for two weeks ensures complete eradication.
Supportive hygiene items help prevent reinfestation. Recommended purchases are:
- A dedicated pillowcase and set of bedding, laundered at 60 °C after treatment.
- A sealed plastic bag for storing hats, scarves, and hair accessories during the treatment period.
- A mild, non‑medicated conditioner to keep hair manageable for combing.
- Disposable gloves for the person performing the combing, reducing cross‑contamination.
If parents prefer natural alternatives, a 10 % dimethicone spray can suffocate lice without neurotoxic chemicals, but it must be applied in the same two‑step schedule as chemical treatments.
In summary, the optimal purchase list comprises a permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo, a high‑quality lice comb, and a set of laundering and storage accessories. Adding a dimethicone product offers a non‑chemical backup, while malathion or ivermectin remain options for resistant infestations under professional supervision.