Your child can develop a head lice infestation regardless of hygiene. Head lice spread easily through shared combs, hats and head-to-head contact during play, often prompting school districts to send out notices warning about the spread of lice. Once your child has developed an infestation, the head lice can spread quickly throughout the family. Unfortunately, treating head lice can be difficult and may require several treatments to totally eradicate the infestation.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Many over-the-counter pediculicide, or lice-killing, shampoos are available that typically contain either pyrethrin or permethrin. Treat all actively infested family members at the same time. Before treatment, wash your child's hair without using a conditioner or cream-rinse. Use a clean washcloth to protect the child's eyes. Apply the product per the instructions on the bottle. Avoid blow drying the hair after treatment as many products are flammable. Avoid washing the hair for two to three days after treatment.
Nit Removal
No approved over-the-counter preparation completely kills all the lice eggs, or nits. Nits should be combed out with a very fine-toothed comb, which often comes with the head lice treatment product. Use a large-toothed comb to detangle the hair. Divide your child's hair into sections and start at the base of the hair shaft. Rinse the comb frequently and throw away the comb after use. Every two to three days the hair should be combed with a new nit comb until no evidence of nits or lice are present. If needed, pet flea and tick combs are usually fine enough to comb out nits.
Prescription Treatments
It is normal to find some live but sluggishly moving lice when initially combing out the hair, but consult your child's physician if you notice that there are a lot of active lice still present. In some cases, lice develop immunity to over-the-counter products and require prescription treatments. According to MayoClinic.com, malathion--known as Ovide--and benzyl alcohol lotion may be prescribed, but a prescription medication called Lindane should not be used in children weighing under 110 lbs. Always follow the medication inserts and physician guidelines for these products.
Environmental Treatments
Treating your child's environment may help prevent re-infestation. Wash any clothing and bedding that has been used within the two days before the diagnosis and treatment in hot water and dry on the hot setting. Items that cannot be washed should be placed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuuming the carpet and upholstery of the home to remove surviving nits may also prevent re-infestation.
Retreatment
All children should be retreated in about nine to 10 days, depending on the product recommendations. This will kill any lice that have hatched from surviving nits. If your child becomes re-infested, consult your pediatrician.
Warning
Pediculicides can cause scalp irritation, allergic reactions and other side effects. Report any irritation or side effect to your child's physician. Do not mix lice treatments and do not use more of the product than recommended. Do not use kerosene or other oil-based products to treat lice, as this can result in serious burns as well as skin irritations. If your child is under 2 and has lice, KidsHealth warns you should not use medicated lice treatments on your child. Remove nits and lice by hand in this case.
