What should be done if a child has lice in their hair? - briefly
«Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion to the child’s hair, follow the product’s timing instructions, and remove nits with a fine‑toothed comb. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after seven days to prevent re‑infestation.»
What should be done if a child has lice in their hair? - in detail
A lice infestation becomes apparent through itching, visible nits attached to hair shafts near the scalp, or live insects moving on the head. Confirmation requires a thorough examination with a fine-toothed comb, ideally under bright light, to distinguish nits from normal hair debris.
Immediate actions include separating the affected child from peers to prevent further spread, notifying the school or childcare facility of the situation, and beginning treatment without delay. Documentation of the case helps coordinate follow‑up checks and informs other families of necessary precautions.
Treatment options fall into three categories:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrins combined with piperonyl‑butoxide; these are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration, and then rinsed off.
- Prescription agents such as ivermectin lotion (0.5 %) or benzyl alcohol lotion (5 %); these require a medical prescription and follow specific usage guidelines.
- Non‑chemical methods, including heated air devices or silicone‑based sprays; effectiveness varies and may be used as adjuncts to chemical treatments.
Application procedure:
- Wash hair with regular shampoo; towel‑dry until damp but not wet.
- Apply the chosen product according to label instructions, ensuring complete coverage from scalp to hair tips.
- Cover hair with a plastic cap or towel as directed; maintain the specified contact time.
- Rinse thoroughly, then comb hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and nits.
- Dispose of combed material and wash comb in hot, soapy water.
Environmental control follows treatment:
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean filters afterward.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., hats, stuffed toys) in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to starve any remaining lice.
A second treatment session is recommended 7–10 days after the first application to eradicate newly hatched lice that survived the initial cycle. Conduct a follow‑up inspection weekly for at least three weeks, using a nit comb to verify the absence of live insects and nits. If infestation persists, consult a healthcare professional for alternative regimens or resistance testing.