Officially known as pediculosis capitis, head lice infestation is a common nuisance that affects infants and children. The sesame seed--sized human head louse survives on human blood and lays visible eggs or nits on the hair shaft. When an infant begins to rub or scratch the back of his head or ears, parents should confirm the presence of nits before beginning a series of home treatments to remove the lice permanently.
Nit Removal
Anti-lice shampoos contain insecticides are unsafe for children under the age of 2, according to Skin Sight. Because babies usually have little hair, parents can use their fingers to remove the nits, which look like small pieces of dandruff that cling to the hair when brushed. Babies with a fuller head of hair may need to have the caretakers divide it into sections with clips and use a fine-tooth metal nit comb to remove the nits. Many call this process "bug busting" or "wet combing."
Distilled white vinegar helps loosen nit attachment to the hair shaft, according to Physicians' Desktop Reference Health. Starting from the scalp and working up to the end of the hair, parents can work the comb or fingers up the hair shafts. It is important to rinse fingers or the comb regularly into hot soapy water to remove nits and lice. After finishing each section, parents should complete a second search for any missed lice or nits. They should repeat this process every three or four days until nits or lice are no longer visible.
Thorough Cleaning
Lice can live up to three days off the human body, according to Keep Kids Healthy, and are likely to jump from one person to the other. Caretakers should wash recently worn clothing and anything the child has encountered in the previous two days in water hotter than 120 degrees. Once the initial washing is complete, changing sheets and pillowcases every night for a week and washing them in high-temperature water should eliminate the lice. Skin Sight recommends drying all washed items on a high-heat setting for at least 20 minutes.
To make sure lice and nits that are separated from their host are dead, caretakers should place potentially contaminated items that are not machine washable in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
Prevent Spreading
Lice travel from one head to another with ease because they can survive for a few days without a human host. Caretakers should take pains to avoid sharing items used by the person contaminated with head lice. These items include combs, brushes, hats, towels, bedding and stuffed animals, according to Skin Sight. Parents should notify anyone with whom the infant has been in contact with so that they can check themselves or their children for head lice.
