What to use to remove lice from children under one year? - briefly
Use a fine‑tooth lice comb on damp hair after washing with a mild baby shampoo, and repeat the process every few days while consulting a pediatrician. No over‑the‑counter insecticide products are approved for infants younger than twelve months.
What to use to remove lice from children under one year? - in detail
Lice infestations can occur in infants younger than twelve months, requiring methods that avoid toxic chemicals and harsh irritants. The primary approach is mechanical removal combined with strict hygiene measures.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Apply a gentle, hypoallergenic conditioner to reduce tangling, then comb from scalp to tip in sections. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 48 hours.
- For residual nits, apply a silicone‑based lotion containing dimethicone (e.g., 100% dimethicone) approved for infants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time (usually 10–15 minutes), then rinse and comb out dead insects.
- Prescription options are limited. A pediatrician may prescribe a low‑dose ivermectin lotion or a 0.5% permethrin preparation specifically labeled for infants, but these are used only when mechanical methods fail and after professional evaluation.
Safety considerations:
- Avoid over‑the‑counter shampoos containing pyrethrins, malathion, or carbaryl; they are not approved for children under one year and may cause skin irritation or systemic toxicity.
- Essential oils, including tea tree and neem, lack safety data for this age group and should be excluded.
- Monitor the scalp for signs of allergic reaction (redness, swelling) after any topical application; discontinue use immediately if symptoms appear.
Follow‑up:
- Re‑examine the scalp after each combing session. Absence of live lice for three consecutive checks confirms eradication.
- Maintain weekly combing for an additional month to prevent recurrence, especially in households with other infested members.