What should be done if a child has lice on their head?

What should be done if a child has lice on their head? - briefly

Inspect the scalp, apply an FDA‑approved lice medication according to the label, and comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water, vacuum the environment, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any remaining eggs.

What should be done if a child has lice on their head? - in detail

If a child is found to have head lice, immediate action is required to eliminate the infestation and prevent spread. The following protocol outlines the essential steps.

1. Confirm the presence of live lice or viable eggs (nits) by parting the hair close to the scalp and inspecting with a fine-tooth comb. Nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp indicate an active infestation.

2. Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide according to the product label. Common options include 1 % permethrin lotion or 0.5 % malathion shampoo. Follow the recommended application time, then rinse thoroughly. For resistance‑prone cases, a prescription‑only spinosad or ivermectin preparation may be used.

3. After the initial treatment, repeat the medication after 7–10 days to kill any newly hatched lice that survived the first application. Do not exceed the maximum number of treatments specified by the manufacturer.

4. Comb the hair with a fine-tooth lice comb while it is still damp. Perform combing at least twice daily for a week, removing each louse and nit that is captured. Dispose of combed material in sealed plastic bags.

5. Wash all personal items that have contacted the head:

   • Clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat.
   • Hats, scarves, and hair accessories can be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, or heat‑treated in a dryer for 30 minutes.
   • Non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) may be placed in a sealed bag for two weeks, or treated with a lice‑killing spray approved for fabrics.

6. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats to remove stray lice and nits. Discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.

7. Notify the child’s school or daycare. Provide a written statement of treatment and a commitment to follow up, enabling the institution to implement its own preventive measures and inform other families.

8. Educate the child on avoiding head‑to‑head contact, sharing personal items, and regular self‑inspection. Parents should perform weekly checks for at least one month after treatment completion.

By adhering to this systematic approach—verification, medication, thorough combing, environmental decontamination, communication with caregivers, and ongoing monitoring—infestations are resolved efficiently and recurrence is minimized.