What should be done if a child has lice at home? - briefly
Apply an approved lice treatment to the child and meticulously remove nits with a fine‑toothed comb. Clean all bedding, clothing, and household surfaces, and advise close contacts to be examined.
What should be done if a child has lice at home? - in detail
Detecting an infestation begins with a thorough visual inspection. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. Examine the comb after each pass; live insects appear as small, brownish bodies, while eggs (nits) cling tightly to hair shafts near the scalp. Repeat the examination on each child in the household, as lice spread rapidly through close contact.
Once live insects are confirmed, initiate treatment promptly. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin with piperonyl‑butoxide. Apply according to the product label, ensuring coverage from scalp to hair tips. Leave the preparation on for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly.
- Prescription‑only agents such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion, reserved for cases where resistance to OTC products is suspected. Obtain these medications from a healthcare professional.
- Non‑chemical alternatives, for example, a thorough combing regimen with a fine nit‑comb performed every 2–3 days for two weeks. This method requires patience but eliminates reliance on insecticides.
After applying the chosen treatment, repeat the procedure after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched nymphs that survived the first application. Verify success by inspecting the hair and scalp for live insects or viable nits; absence of both indicates effective control.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. Follow these steps:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels worn or used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal items that cannot be laundered (e.g., 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 thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately after use.
- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
Preventive measures help avoid future outbreaks. Educate caregivers and children about avoiding head‑to‑head contact, especially during play. Encourage regular hair checks, particularly after group activities. Maintain personal items as individual property and store them separately.
Monitor the situation for at least four weeks. If live insects reappear after initial clearance, repeat the treatment cycle and reassess product efficacy. Persistent infestations may require consultation with a medical professional to explore alternative therapies or address possible resistance.