Go to a doctor now if: Infected, weeping or crusted scalp sores from scratching, swollen neck glands, or lice that persist despite proper combing/medicated treatment — see a pharmacist/doctor for a suitable lotion.
Food-first comfort
(Hair/hygiene, not eaten) Wet-combing method: apply plenty of ordinary conditioner (or a little coconut oil) to wet hair to slow the lice, then comb section by section with a fine-tooth (nit) comb, wiping the comb on tissue each stroke; repeat every 3-4 days for about 2 weeks to catch newly hatched lice. Wash bedding/hats and check close contacts.
What to nourish
No specific diet; general good nutrition for scalp/skin health.
Never
Don't use kerosene, petrol, undiluted essential oils or pet/insecticide products on a child's head (dangerous). Don't share combs/hats. Don't keep a child home unnecessarily — lice are a nuisance, not a disease.
Care at home
Head lice are common, harmless and not about cleanliness. Patient wet-combing (or a pharmacy lotion) plus treating contacts together clears them. Repeat combing catches the newly hatched ones.
Related guides
Diaper RashCradle CapPrickly Heat / Heat RashDry Skin & Mild Eczema (Nutrition Support)Minor Cuts & Grazes (First Aid)Insect Bites & ItchRingworm (Hygiene Support + Referral)Warts & Molluscum (Supportive)
When to see a doctor. Children are not small adults. This guide offers food-first comfort for a parent to consider; it gives no medicines, doses or supplements for children. A paediatrician decides on treatment. When in doubt, go.
