What should you do if lice appear on the head? - briefly
Confirm the infestation, then apply an FDA‑approved lice treatment according to the product instructions and meticulously comb out nits with a fine‑toothed comb. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to prevent re‑infestation.
What should you do if lice appear on the head? - in detail
If head lice are detected, begin with a visual confirmation. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair, separating sections and pulling the comb through from scalp to tip. Examine the comb after each pass for live insects or viable nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp.
- Isolate the affected individual to prevent immediate spread.
- Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide according to the product’s instructions, covering the entire scalp and hair length. Follow the prescribed exposure time precisely; do not exceed it.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, ensuring all product residue is removed.
- While hair remains damp, comb with a nit‑comb in 2‑inch sections, starting at the scalp and moving outward. Remove each louse and nits, cleaning the comb after every pass.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be heated may be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats to eliminate stray insects.
- Repeat the chemical treatment after 7–10 days to kill any newly hatched lice that survived the first round. Perform a second thorough combing session after the repeat application.
- Conduct weekly comb checks for at least four weeks. Remove any remaining nits with the nit‑comb; discard hair strands that contain unrecoverable eggs.
- Notify close contacts—family members, classmates, or caregivers—so they can inspect and treat if necessary.
Maintain the treatment schedule without interruption. If symptoms persist after two full cycles, seek professional medical advice for alternative therapies.