What should you do if a child has lice and nits?

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

Treat the infestation promptly with an FDA‑approved lice shampoo or lotion, then comb out all live lice and eggs using a fine‑toothed nit comb. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water, vacuum the home, and repeat the treatment in 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.

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

When live insects and their eggs are discovered on a child’s scalp, immediate action is required to eliminate the infestation and prevent spread. The following protocol outlines each essential phase.

1. Verification

   • Examine the hair under bright light, using a fine-toothed comb to separate strands.
   • Identify adult lice (≈2–3 mm, gray‑brown) and nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp.
   • Confirm the presence of live insects before proceeding with treatment.

2. Pharmacologic or Mechanical Treatment

   • Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion) according to the product label, covering the scalp and hair from roots to tips.
   • Leave the preparation for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
   • For families preferring non‑chemical options, use a heated metal comb or a silicone nit‑removal comb, repeating the process every 2–3 days for two weeks.

3. Nit Removal

   • After the initial treatment, comb the hair with a fine nit‑comb while the hair is still damp.
   • Divide the hair into sections; comb each section from scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass.
   • Dispose of combed lice and nits in sealed plastic bags or by flushing them down the toilet.

4. Environmental Decontamination

   • Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used in the preceding 48 hours in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat.
   • Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.

5. Preventive Measures

   • Instruct the child to avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, headphones, or other personal items.
   • Encourage regular head checks for the next three weeks, especially after school or group activities.
   • Notify schools, daycare centers, or other caregivers so they can conduct parallel screenings.

6. Follow‑Up

   • Re‑examine the child 7–10 days after the first treatment. If live lice persist, repeat the pediculicide or adopt an alternative method.
   • Continue weekly nit‑combing for an additional two weeks to catch any newly hatched nits.

By adhering to this systematic approach—confirmation, treatment, thorough removal, environmental sanitation, prevention, and monitoring—parents can effectively eradicate the problem and minimize the risk of recurrence.