Head Lice at two years old

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Specializes in behavioral health.

Last week, I discovered that my daughter, 2 y.o. grandson, and myself were infested with head lice. I treated myself with otc product. My daughter did herself and my grandson. I am just worried that this stuff may be too strong for him. I read where olive oil or hair conditioner will work and continuous combing of nits. I had treated my hair with the lice shampoo and used olive oil several times, leaving it on overnight and combing nits out the next morning. My daughter is going to do a 2nd application of nix on him, but I am leary about it. It is bad enough for us adults! When I had him the other day, I just put conditioner on while he was in the bath and the nits combed out real easy.

These things are sure a major bit of work. I have been vaccuming and changing sheets every other day. Also, bagged up any stuffed animals. I am a tad paranoid about them coming back. I know we had them when my son was four which was 24 years ago. We got rid of them immediately. But, now I am reading about super lice that are resistant to otc products. From what I have read it seems the main thing is to keep combing the nits.

Does anyone have any suggestions in ridding of these creatures in such young children? It is hard to get him to sit still at times. At two, he wants to control the situation. My daughter did get his head shaved, but not bald. He still has a head full of hair, just his curls were cut off. I would have shaved it all off. I did when my son was four.

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I use tea tree oil on my boys and then combed the eggs our every night for a few nights. Worked great. Once you get rid of them, put about 10 drops of pure tea tree oil in their regular shampoo and it keeps the lice away. I did this 2 years ago and have had no problems since.

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I too had to shave my son's head. Best and easiest, but if that isn't an option maybe try the mineral oil used to treat cradle cap. Its thick and would smother the little suckers. As for combing out the nits, condition should be enough. That's how my mom handled it when I was a kid and I had hair to my rear.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Since this post is several days old, I would think the issue is resolved for the OP.

Please, anyone treating for head lice, especially young children, seek medical advice from your health care provider. There can be risks and certainly if retreat without direction of your HCP.

Members of allnurses.com, per TOS, cannot give medical advice.

Thread closed.

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