What should you do if a child has lice?

What should you do if a child has lice? - briefly

Inspect the scalp, remove nits with a fine‑tooth comb, and treat the hair with an FDA‑approved pediculicide as directed; thereafter, launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat. Monitor the child for a week and repeat treatment if any live lice reappear.

What should you do if a child has lice? - in detail

If a child is diagnosed with head lice, begin treatment immediately. First, confirm the infestation by examining the scalp and hair for live insects and nits within ¼ inch of the scalp. Use a fine-toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair to improve visibility and reduce breakage.

1. Apply an approved pediculicide

   • Choose a product containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin, following the label’s age restrictions.
   • Apply to dry hair, saturating the scalp and hair shaft.
   • Leave the medication on for the prescribed duration, typically 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

2. Remove nits manually

   • After the chemical treatment, comb the hair with a lice comb every 2–3 days for two weeks.
   • Divide hair into sections, pulling the comb from scalp to tip to capture attached eggs.
   • Dispose of each combed section by wiping the comb on a damp cloth and discarding the cloth in a sealed bag.

3. Treat repeat infestations

   • If live lice reappear within 7–10 days, repeat the pediculicide application once, as directed by the product instructions.
   • Do not exceed the recommended number of treatments without medical advice.

4. Sanitize personal items and environment

   • Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
   • Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed animals) in a plastic bag for two weeks.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.

5. Notify school or childcare

   • Inform the institution promptly, providing details of the treatment plan.
   • Follow the organization’s policy regarding return dates, typically after the first treatment and confirmation that no live lice are present.

6. Prevent future outbreaks

   • Advise regular head checks, especially after contact with other children.
   • Encourage avoiding head-to-head contact during play and refrain from sharing combs, hats, or headphones.

7. Seek professional evaluation if needed

   • Consult a pediatrician if the infestation persists after two treatment cycles, if the child experiences severe itching, or if there are signs of secondary skin infection.

By adhering to this systematic approach—verification, medication, thorough nit removal, environmental decontamination, communication with caregivers, and preventive measures—the infestation can be eradicated and the risk of recurrence minimized.