What should be done for a child with head lice? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved lice treatment (shampoo, lotion, or mousse) according to the label, repeat the dose after 7–10 days, and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove nits. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water, and inspect close contacts for infestation.
What should be done for a child with head lice? - in detail
Detect the infestation promptly. Examine the scalp with a fine-toothed lice comb, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and crown. Look for live insects, viable nymphs, or brown‑black nits attached within a ¼‑inch of the hair shaft.
Choose an effective product. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion or shampoo, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone‑based cream, applied to damp hair, left for 5–10 minutes, then washed out.
- Benzyl alcohol lotion (for children ≥6 months), applied for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Follow the label precisely: apply to the entire scalp, saturate all strands, and avoid contact with eyes. After rinsing, use a fine‑toothed comb to remove detached lice and nits. Perform combing at least twice, spaced 5–10 minutes apart, until the hair is clear.
Repeat treatment. Most products require a second application 7–10 days later to eliminate newly hatched nymphs that survived the first round.
Sanitize personal items. Wash the child’s bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Limit close contact. Keep the child away from school or daycare for 24 hours after the first treatment, then confirm that no live lice remain before returning.
Monitor for reinfestation. Inspect the scalp weekly for three weeks. If live lice appear again, repeat the treatment cycle and reassess environmental cleaning.
Educate caregivers. Advise against sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones, and encourage regular checks during peak seasons.