What should be done with belongings if a child has lice? - briefly
Wash all clothing, bedding, and washable personal items in hot water (≥130 °F) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks; isolate or treat non‑washable items with an appropriate lice‑killing spray.
What should be done with belongings if a child has lice? - in detail
When a child is diagnosed with head lice, all personal items that have been in contact with the scalp must be treated to prevent reinfestation. Begin by isolating clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours. Wash these items in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes; heat kills both lice and nits. If laundering at high temperature is impossible, place the items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, as nits cannot survive without a host for that duration.
Hair accessories, hats, scarves, and headbands should be soaked in a solution of 0.5 % permethrin or a similar insecticide, following the product’s instructions, then rinsed thoroughly. Non‑washable items such as stuffed animals, pillows, or plush toys require either dry‑cleaning or sealing in an airtight container for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats to remove any stray hairs that may carry nits; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Personal items that do not tolerate heat or chemicals—such as hairbrushes, combs, and earrings—must be immersed in hot (at least 130 °F/54 °C) water for 10 minutes or soaked in an approved lice‑killing solution. After treatment, dry them completely before reuse. For items that cannot be decontaminated, consider discarding them to eliminate any residual risk.
Finally, maintain a clean environment by regularly laundering the child’s sleepwear and undergarments, and by instructing caregivers to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or bedding until the infestation is fully resolved.