What to do if a 4‑year‑old child has lice? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved lice treatment to the child’s hair according to the product instructions, then repeat the application after 7–10 days; simultaneously wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the household to eliminate any remaining nits.
What to do if a 4‑year‑old child has lice? - in detail
Detecting an infestation in a preschool‑aged child begins with a thorough head inspection. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet hair, starting at the scalp and working toward the ends. Look for live insects, nits attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp, or small brown specks that can be brushed off. Examine behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, where lice commonly congregate.
Once lice are confirmed, treat the child promptly. Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide formulated for children, following the product’s instructions regarding dosage, application time, and safety precautions. After the recommended exposure period, rinse thoroughly and comb the hair with a nit‑comb to remove dead insects and remaining nits. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice that survived the first round.
Sanitize the environment to prevent re‑infestation. Wash the child’s clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks or placed in a freezer at 0 °F for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Educate caregivers and close contacts. All family members and anyone who had recent close contact with the child should be examined and, if necessary, treated simultaneously. Advise against sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones until the infestation is cleared. Encourage regular head checks for at least one month after treatment.
If symptoms persist, increase in lice count, or an allergic reaction to the medication occurs, consult a pediatrician. A prescription‑strength treatment or alternative approach may be required. Document the dates of each treatment and follow‑up inspection to ensure complete eradication.