Pediculosis Capitis (Lice) Handout

Lice Treatment Plan for Children 

7-Day Step-by-Step Treatment Plan

Day 1: Initial Treatment

• Prepare the scalp by ensuring the prescription creams has been applied to any open sores as per healthcare provider’s instructions.

• Use an old shirt or towel to protect the child’s clothing from staining during the treatment.

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for applying a medicated lice rinse (e.g., permethrin 1% or pyrethrin).

• Once the rinse has been applied, comb the hair with a fine-tooth lice comb to remove lice, nits, and egg cases.

• Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water, and bag non-washable items for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and furniture.

Day 2: Post-Treatment Care

• Avoid washing the hair for two days to allow the lice treatment to continue working.
  Reapply prescription creams to any open sores as directed.

• Comb the hair again every two to three days to remove lice and nits that may have hatched.

Day 3: Scalp and Hair Maintenance

• Check the scalp for any new sores and continue to apply prescription creams as needed.

• Comb the hair to remove any remaining lice or nits.

Day 4: Continued Lice Comb Routine

• Continue combing the hair with a lice comb to remove nits and lice

• Reapply prescription creams to any remaining sores.

Day 5: Progress Check

• Inspect the scalp for any remaining lice or nits.

• Continue combing as necessary and apply prescription creams cream to the sores if needed.

Day 6: Evaluate for Second Treatment

• Prepare for a possible second lice treatment, if necessary, seven to ten days after the initial treatment.

• Keep combing the hair and applying prescription creams until sores begin to heal.

Day 7: Second Treatment (If needed)

• If lice persist, apply a second lice treatment as directed.
  Continue combing and applying prescription creams to treat remaining scalp sores.

At-Home Treatments and Prevention

Medicated Treatments: Use a medicated lice shampoo or rinse as directed by your healthcare provider.

Scalp Sores: Continue applying prescription creams to open sores as needed.

Nit Removal: Use a fine-tooth lice comb every two to three days for at least two weeks to remove lice and nits.

Environment Cleaning: Wash all bedding, towels, clothing, and hats in hot water. Bag non-washable items for two weeks.

Symptom Relief: Use cold compresses to relieve scalp itching and discomfort. Avoid scratching to prevent infection. You may also give your child Tylenol / Advil to help with the pain – please follow the directions on the bottles.

Prevention: Do not share personal items like brushes, hats, or pillows.

Hair Care: Keep long hair tied back to reduce the risk of spreading lice.