What should be done if a child gets lice? - briefly
Inspect the child's hair, remove nits with a fine‑toothed comb, and apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide according to the label. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water, and inform close contacts to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done if a child gets lice? - in detail
If a child is found to have head lice, immediate action is required to stop the infestation and prevent spread.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits. Use a fine-toothed comb on damp hair, section by section, and inspect the comb for insects.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide. Choose a product containing either permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with a synergist, following the label’s dosage and timing instructions precisely. For resistant cases, consider a prescription treatment such as ivermectin lotion or malathion shampoo, administered under medical supervision.
Third, conduct a thorough comb‑out after the chemical treatment. Wait 24 hours, then repeat the combing process with a nit‑comb to remove dead insects and any remaining eggs. Perform this step daily for a week.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items.
- Wash the child’s clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items (hats, hair accessories, stuffed toys) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse away from a host.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to capture any stray nits.
Fifth, inform close contacts. Notify the child’s school, daycare, or anyone else who may have been exposed, advising them to inspect and treat if necessary.
Sixth, monitor for recurrence. Check the child’s hair twice weekly for four weeks. If live lice reappear, repeat the treatment cycle, but avoid using the same over‑the‑counter product consecutively; switch to an alternative class of medication.
Seventh, implement preventive measures.
- Encourage regular head checks, especially after group activities.
- Discourage sharing of hats, hairbrushes, headphones, and other personal items.
- Maintain short hair or keep hair tied back to reduce contact.
By following these steps—verification, appropriate medication, meticulous removal, environmental sanitation, communication, ongoing surveillance, and preventive habits—the infestation can be eliminated efficiently and the risk of further transmission minimized.