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Lice in my baby's head
My 2-month-old new born baby has lice in his head.Can you please suggest to remove those lice.Any medicine or treatment.
Answers (7)
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Normal in breastfed babies. No need apply anything spontaneously they will disappear.Bath needed but images needed
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Hello, I understand your concern
Head lice are common and not a sign of poor hygiene. In infants under 2–3 months, most medicated lice treatments are NOT safe, so we use only mechanical and supportive methods.
Lice usually clear in 1–2 weeks with consistent combing. Keep the baby’s nails trimmed (to avoid scratching and secondary infection).
Next Steps
Use Wet Combing : Wet the baby’s hair with plain water.
Use a fine-toothed lice comb (nit comb).
Comb from scalp → hair end, section by section.
Do this every 2–3 days for at least 2 weeks.
Remove Nits Manually: If visible, pick nits using your fingers. Do it in bright light.
Wash/Heat Treat Household Items: Wash pillow covers, towels, caps, and bedding in hot water and dry under the sun. Items that cannot be washed → seal in a plastic bag for 48 hours.
Treat Close Contacts: Check siblings/caregivers for lice.
Adult treatments are okay for parents/siblings, but never for the baby.
No Medicated Lice Shampoos:Avoid permethrin, malathion, ivermectin, and herbal/ayurvedic lice oils. They are NOT recommended for infants below 2 months due to skin absorption toxicity.
No Kerosene, Vinegar, Coconut oil soaks, Camphor oil, or Home Remedies: These are unsafe and can cause allergies, breathing problems, or skin burns.
Do NOT shave the baby’s head: Shaving doesn’t fully remove nits and may cause cuts or infections.
Health Tips
Red flags:
Scalp becomes red, oozing, or very irritated
The baby becomes unusually fussy or develops fever
Lice infestation becomes very heavy despite combing
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1) Permethrin 1% solution head wash once /weekly
2) For prevention- regular cleaning of bedding, pillows , towels , combs
For further guidance , contact me on practo
Health Tips
Sun drying of bed sheets
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I need to ask few more questions before answering your query.
Early consultations can prevent complications.
Kindly contact me on whatsapp chat (84960595sixfive)
Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), Neonatology fellow ( Newborn specialist )
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I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
Contact number: 97012307 two nine
Dr. G. Avinash MBBS, MD (Pediatrics) Fellowship in Neonatology
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Ok don't use any shampoo as the age is just 2months it has few side effects
So please remove by any comb or pick it by hand
And please wash all the clothes including bedsheets bed covers and clothes in hot water
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Dr. Mathumitha
Pediatrician
7 yrs exp
Coimbatore
Hello parent I can totally understand your concern. For a 2 month old baby it's not advisable to use medicated shampoos. It's better to remove the lice using a fine toothed comb. Do it everyday or on alternate days until you find no lice in baby's head. For more detailed discussion do book an online consultation with me.
DR MATHUMITHA
MBBS MD PEDIATRICS
Next Steps
please do change the bed covers and pillow covers
Health Tips
Baby should have contracted lice from someone through contact.Any person with lice should avoid head to head contact with baby.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.