What should be done for a 4‑year‑old child with lice? - briefly
Apply a pediatric‑approved lice medication, repeat it after 7–9 days, wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water, and comb the child’s hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove remaining nits.
What should be done for a 4‑year‑old child with lice? - in detail
A lice infestation in a preschool‑aged child requires prompt confirmation. Examine the scalp with a fine‑toothed comb under bright light; look for live insects or nits attached within ¼ inches of the hair shaft. If any are found, begin treatment immediately.
Treatment regimen
- Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, following the package directions precisely.
- Leave the product on the hair for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- After 7–10 days, repeat the application to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
- While the product is on the scalp, use a fine nit comb to remove dead insects and eggs; repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Environmental control
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Place items that cannot be laundered in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters afterward.
- Clean hairbrushes and combs by soaking them in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes.
Preventive measures
- Instruct caregivers and teachers to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or headphones.
- Conduct weekly scalp checks for all children in the same group for at least one month.
- Notify anyone who had close contact with the child so they can inspect and treat if necessary.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the child’s hair after the second treatment; any remaining nits indicate the need for another round.
- If lice persist after two full cycles, consult a pediatrician for prescription‑strength medication or alternative therapies.
- Document the dates of treatment and any additional actions taken for future reference.