What should be bought for a child to treat lice and nits? - briefly
Purchase a pediculicidal shampoo or lotion with 1 % permethrin or dimethicone, a fine‑toothed nit comb, and a mild conditioner for post‑treatment care. Apply the product as directed, then comb out nits repeatedly over the next week.
What should be bought for a child to treat lice and nits? - in detail
When dealing with head‑lice infestation in a child, the essential items to acquire are:
- Medicated shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % malathion, or dimethicone. Choose a product approved for pediatric use and follow the label instructions precisely.
- Fine‑tooth nit comb, preferably stainless steel with a 0.2 mm tooth spacing. The comb must be used on wet, conditioned hair to facilitate removal of live insects and eggs.
- Protective gloves for the caregiver to avoid secondary transfer during treatment.
- Separate, color‑coded towels and pillowcases that will be laundered at 60 °C after each use.
- Sealable plastic bags for storing contaminated clothing and bedding until washing is completed.
- Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter to clean carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats.
Additional supportive supplies include:
- A mild, pH‑balanced conditioner to reduce hair breakage after repeated shampoo applications.
- A non‑chemical, silicone‑based spray that can be applied to the comb to ease gliding and improve egg extraction.
All items should be sourced from reputable pharmacies or medical supply retailers to ensure proper concentration and safety. The treatment regimen typically involves an initial application, a repeat dose after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice, and thorough combing sessions every 2–3 days until no live insects are detected. Continuous use of the nit comb during this period is critical for confirming eradication.