What to do if a 5‑year‑old child has lice?

What to do if a 5‑year‑old child has lice? - briefly

Inspect the child's scalp, treat with an FDA‑approved lice medication suitable for a five‑year‑old, and meticulously remove nits using a fine‑tooth comb; wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.

What to do if a 5‑year‑old child has lice? - in detail

If a child of five shows signs of head‑lice, immediate confirmation is essential. Examine the scalp under good lighting, using a fine‑tooth comb to locate live insects or viable nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft. If any are found, proceed to treatment without delay.

1. Choose an approved pediculicide:

   • Permethrin 1 % lotion (OTC) applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
   • Dimethicone‑based products (e.g., “Lice‑Free”) that suffocate insects; follow label instructions precisely.
   • Prescription options (malathion, spinosad) require a physician’s order.

2. Apply the medication according to the package:

   • Cover the entire scalp and all hair strands.
   • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and broken skin.
   • After the recommended exposure time, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

3. Remove residual nits:

   • While hair is still damp, comb from the scalp outward with a fine nit comb.
   • Clean the comb after each pass with hot, soapy water.
   • Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to catch newly hatched lice.

4. Decontaminate personal items:

   • Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble dry on high heat.
   • Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.

5. Notify relevant institutions:

   • Inform the child’s school or daycare; most have policies requiring notification and may conduct screenings.
   • Provide them with details of the treatment schedule to coordinate any necessary re‑examination.

6. Monitor for re‑infestation:

   • Conduct a visual inspection every 3–4 days for the next three weeks.
   • If live lice reappear after the second treatment, repeat the approved medication according to label limits (usually no more than two applications within a 14‑day period).

7. Educate caregivers and the child:

   • Advise against sharing hats, hairbrushes, headphones, or scarves.
   • Emphasize regular hair checks, especially after playdates or group activities.

Following these steps systematically eliminates the infestation and reduces the risk of recurrence. If symptoms persist despite proper treatment, seek medical evaluation for possible resistance or alternative diagnoses.