What should I do if a child has lice at home? - briefly
Treat the child with an FDA‑approved lice treatment and meticulously comb out any remaining nits; simultaneously launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for at least two weeks. Clean and vacuum the living areas, and check other household members to prevent re‑infestation.
What should I do if a child has lice at home? - in detail
When a child is found with head‑lice, act promptly to eliminate the infestation and prevent spread.
First, confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits. Use a fine‑tooth comb on damp hair, inspecting the scalp and behind the ears. Separate any visible lice from the comb and discard them.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide. Choose a product containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin, following the manufacturer’s instructions exactly: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, consider a prescription‑only treatment such as ivermectin or malathion after consulting a health professional.
Third, remove residual eggs mechanically. After the chemical treatment, comb the hair with a lice‑removal comb at 2‑minute intervals for at least three consecutive days. Work from the scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items and the environment. Wash the child’s bedding, clothing, towels, and hats in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –4 °F (‑20 °C) for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
Fifth, inform close contacts. Notify the child’s school, daycare, or any other group where the child interacts, so that they can check and treat affected individuals. Encourage families to repeat the treatment protocol after seven days to catch any newly hatched lice.
Sixth, implement preventive measures. Advise regular head‑checking, especially after sleepovers or group activities. Recommend avoiding the sharing of combs, hats, hair accessories, and pillowcases. Keep hair tied back for younger children when possible.
Finally, monitor for recurrence. Conduct a visual inspection twice weekly for three weeks. If live lice reappear, repeat the treatment cycle or seek medical advice for alternative therapies.
By following these steps methodically, the infestation can be eradicated efficiently and the risk of re‑infestation minimized.