What should be done if lice are noticed? - briefly
Begin an FDA‑approved lice treatment and comb out all nits promptly, then launder or seal bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water for at least 30 minutes to eliminate any remaining eggs.
What should be done if lice are noticed? - in detail
When head‑lice are discovered, immediate action prevents a rapid spread. First, verify the presence of live insects or viable eggs by examining the scalp with a fine‑tooth comb under good lighting. Separate the infested individual from others to limit contact.
Next, apply an appropriate pediculicide. Choose a product that contains either permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin, following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely regarding dosage, application time, and safety precautions. For resistant cases, consider a prescription‑only treatment such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin, administered under medical supervision.
After the chemical treatment, remove all remaining nits manually. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb, working section by section from the scalp outward. Repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to capture any newly hatched lice.
Simultaneously, decontaminate personal items and the environment:
- Wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable objects (e.g., hats, hair accessories) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or headphones until the infestation is cleared.
Finally, implement preventive measures to reduce recurrence:
- Encourage regular head inspections, especially after group activities.
- Advise against head‑to‑head contact during play.
- Recommend using a lice‑repellent spray or a silicone‑based conditioner that makes it difficult for lice to attach.
By following these steps—confirmation, treatment, thorough removal, environmental sanitation, and ongoing prevention—the infestation can be eliminated efficiently and the risk of re‑infestation minimized.