What is the treatment for lice in a child? - briefly
Apply an OTC pediculicide such as 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo to the child’s hair, leave it on for the recommended duration, rinse, and comb out all nits; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice. Clean clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
What is the treatment for lice in a child? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestation in a child requires a systematic approach that combines medication, mechanical removal, and environmental control.
First‑line medication consists of over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin with piperonyl‑butoxide. Apply the product to dry hair, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips, leave it for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. For children under two years, avoid permethrin and use a dimethicone‑based lotion, which suffocates lice without neurotoxic agents.
If resistance to pyrethroids is suspected, prescribe a prescription‑strength agent such as 0.5 % malathion, 0.05 % ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion. Follow the specific label instructions for each product, including any required repeat application 7–10 days after the first treatment to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Mechanical removal complements chemical therapy. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Perform combing in sections, starting at the scalp and moving outward, repeating every 2–3 days for at least one week. Dispose of combed lice and nits by flushing them down the toilet or sealing them in a plastic bag.
Environmental measures reduce re‑infestation risk. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray lice and eggs.
Monitoring is essential. Examine the child’s scalp 24 hours after treatment for live lice; the presence of only dead insects confirms efficacy. Conduct a second inspection 7–10 days later to verify that no viable nits remain. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consider switching to an alternative pediculicide and repeat the mechanical removal protocol.
Education of caregivers prevents recurrence. Advise against sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones, and recommend regular scalp checks for all household members during an outbreak.
By adhering to this multi‑step regimen—appropriate medication, diligent combing, thorough cleaning of personal items, and vigilant follow‑up—most infestations in children can be resolved quickly and safely.