What should be done if a child has lice, treatment? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (shampoo, lotion, or mousse) according to the label, then use a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove live lice and nits. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days and launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
What should be done if a child has lice, treatment? - in detail
When a child is found to have head‑lice, immediate action is required to eliminate the infestation and prevent spread. Begin by confirming the presence of live nits or adult insects on the scalp, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and the crown.
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Select an appropriate pediculicide – Choose a product that contains either 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin with a piperonyl‑butoxide synergist. Follow the label instructions precisely; most formulations require a single application to dry hair, left for the specified time, then rinsed thoroughly.
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Apply a second‑generation treatment if needed – For resistant cases, consider a 0.05 % malathion lotion, a 0.2 % ivermectin shampoo, or a dimethicone‑based silicone that suffocates lice without neurotoxic chemicals.
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Perform meticulous nit removal – After the chemical step, use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair. Divide the hair into sections, comb from scalp to tip, and wipe the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing process at least twice, spaced 7–10 days apart, to capture newly hatched nits.
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Treat the environment – Wash the child’s bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
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Educate caregivers and peers – Instruct families to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or pillows. Notify the school or daycare so that other children can be examined and treated promptly, reducing reinfestation risk.
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Monitor and repeat – Re‑examine the child’s hair 7–10 days after the initial treatment. If live lice are observed, repeat the chosen pediculicide according to label guidelines, or switch to an alternative class of product.
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Consider medical consultation – If the infestation persists after two treatment cycles, or if the child experiences severe scalp irritation, seek pediatric or dermatological advice for prescription‑strength options.
By adhering to this systematic protocol—accurate diagnosis, targeted chemical or silicone therapy, thorough nit removal, environmental decontamination, and vigilant follow‑up—the infestation can be eradicated efficiently while minimizing discomfort and transmission.