How can lice be combed out of a child? - briefly
Apply a wet conditioner or a lice‑removing solution, then run a fine‑toothed nit comb through the hair from scalp to tips, wiping the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing every 2–3 days for a week while laundering bedding and clothing in hot water.
How can lice be combed out of a child? - in detail
Removing head‑lice from a child requires a systematic approach that combines proper preparation, precise combing technique, and follow‑up measures.
Begin by selecting a fine‑toothed nit comb made of metal or sturdy plastic. Ensure the comb’s teeth are spaced no more than 0.2 mm apart. Prepare a well‑lit area, preferably on a flat surface with a clean white towel to expose any dislodged insects.
Wash the child’s hair with a regular shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and apply a generous amount of conditioner. The conditioner lubricates the strands, allowing the comb to glide without breaking lice or nits.
The combing procedure follows these steps:
- Section the hair into manageable portions using clips or hair ties.
- Starting at the scalp, place the comb’s teeth as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull the comb slowly through the entire length of the section, from root to tip.
- After each pass, wipe the teeth on a white tissue or rinse them in a bowl of hot water to remove captured lice and nits.
- Repeat the pass on the same section three times before moving to the next.
After completing all sections, inspect the towel for live lice and for nits attached to hair shafts. Any visible nits should be removed individually with the comb.
Post‑treatment actions are essential to prevent reinfestation:
- Disinfect the comb by soaking it in boiling water for five minutes or washing it with soap and hot water.
- Launder clothing, bedding, and towels used during the session in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to eliminate stray lice.
- Schedule a second combing session 7–10 days later, when any newly hatched nits become mobile, and repeat the entire process.
Consistent adherence to these steps eliminates the infestation without reliance on chemical treatments.