What to do if a child gets lice on the head at home?

What to do if a child gets lice on the head at home? - briefly

Apply a medicated lice treatment (shampoo, lotion, or spray) as directed, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to eliminate eggs. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water, vacuum the home, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to prevent re‑infestation.

What to do if a child gets lice on the head at home? - in detail

If a child is found to have head‑lice, begin with a visual confirmation. Use a fine‑toothed comb on damp hair, section by section, and inspect each strand for live insects or nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp. Remove any visible lice with the comb, wiping the comb blade after each pass.

1. Select a treatment

   • Over‑the‑counter pediculicides (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based shampoos) applied according to the product label, typically for 10 minutes before rinsing.
   • Prescription options (malathion, ivermectin) for resistant cases, administered by a healthcare professional.
   • Non‑chemical methods such as a wet‑comb technique performed daily for 7 days.

2. Apply the product

   • Cover hair completely; follow the timing instructions precisely.
   • Rinse with lukewarm water; avoid hot water that may irritate the scalp.
   • Comb through wet hair with a nit‑comb to extract remaining eggs.

3. Treat the environment

   • Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
   • Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
   • Avoid sharing combs, hats, or headphones until the infestation is cleared.

4. Schedule a repeat treatment

   • Apply a second dose 7–10 days after the first, targeting any newly hatched lice that escaped the initial application.
   • Perform a thorough nit‑comb after the second treatment to verify eradication.

5. Monitor and prevent re‑infestation

   • Inspect the child’s hair every 2–3 days for two weeks.
   • Educate caregivers and the child about avoiding head‑to‑head contact and not sharing personal items.
   • Encourage regular use of a fine‑toothed comb as a preventive measure.

Prompt, systematic action eliminates the infestation and reduces the risk of recurrence.