How can lice be combed out of a child's hair? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed nit comb on damp, conditioned hair, starting at the scalp and working toward the tips while rinsing the comb after each pass. Repeat the process daily for at least seven days, and consider an approved lice treatment if live insects persist.
How can lice be combed out of a child's hair? - in detail
Begin by selecting a fine‑toothed nit comb made of metal or sturdy plastic; a comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart removes both adult insects and their eggs. Apply a generous amount of conditioner or a specially formulated lice‑removal lotion to the damp hair, allowing the product to soften the nits and reduce slip. Divide the hair into sections no wider than one inch, securing each with a clip.
For each section, start at the scalp and draw the comb through the hair in a slow, steady motion toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a clean paper towel and rinse it in warm water to prevent re‑depositing insects. Repeat the process three times per section, then move the comb a half‑inch farther from the scalp and repeat, ensuring coverage of the entire length.
Once the entire head has been combed, place the collected lice and nits on a white surface for visual confirmation. Dispose of them by sealing in a plastic bag and discarding in an outdoor trash container. Wash the comb, brushes, and any clothing or bedding that may have contacted the infestation in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
Perform a follow‑up combing session after 7–10 days, when any newly hatched nits become visible. Continue weekly checks for at least four weeks to guarantee eradication. Maintain the routine of conditioning the hair before each combing to keep the strands manageable and to reduce breakage.