What is the fastest way to remove lice from a child's head? - briefly
Apply a 1% permethrin lotion and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb every 2–3 hours for several days, removing both lice and nits. Then wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to prevent re‑infestation.
What is the fastest way to remove lice from a child's head? - in detail
The quickest method to eliminate head‑lice infestation in a child combines immediate chemical treatment with thorough mechanical removal.
-
Choose an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply according to the label, ensuring the product reaches the scalp and hair shafts. Leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes) and rinse thoroughly.
-
While the hair is still damp, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing ≤0.2 mm). Divide the hair into sections, comb from scalp to tip, and wipe the comb on a white towel after each pass. Repeat for the entire head, then repeat the combing process at least twice more at 24‑hour intervals.
-
After the first treatment, repeat the chemical application after 7–10 days to target any newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial dose.
-
Wash all personal items that contacted the hair: pillowcases, hats, hairbrushes, and towels. Use hot water (≥60 °C) or place items in a sealed bag for two weeks if laundering is not possible.
-
Inspect the child’s scalp daily for live insects or viable eggs for two weeks. Continue combing every 2–3 days until no lice or viable nits are detected.
-
If resistance to permethrin or pyrethrin is suspected, switch to a 0.5 % malathion lotion or a prescription‑only ivermectin oral dose, following medical guidance.
The combination of a single, properly applied pediculicide and repeated, systematic nit combing achieves eradication within 24‑48 hours, with a follow‑up treatment eliminating any residual stages within a week.