How can lice be removed using a comb? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair, sliding it from the scalp to the ends in small sections and rinsing the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing every few days for two weeks to eliminate all nits.
How can lice be removed using a comb? - in detail
A fine-toothed nit comb is the most reliable tool for eliminating head‑lice infestations. Begin by washing the hair with a regular shampoo, then rinse thoroughly and towel‑dry until damp but not wet. Apply a conditioner or a slip‑agent (such as olive oil) to reduce friction and allow the comb to glide smoothly.
Using the comb, start at the scalp and pull the teeth through a section of hair, moving outward toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it in hot water to remove any captured insects and eggs. Repeat this process across the entire head, section by section, until no live lice or viable nits are visible.
Key points for effectiveness:
- Use a comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm for nits and 0.5 mm for lice.
- Perform the procedure daily for at least seven days, then every other day for an additional week to catch any newly hatched lice.
- After each session, clean the comb by soaking it in boiling water for five minutes or washing with soap and hot water.
- Wash all bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
Consistent, thorough combing combined with proper hygiene eliminates the parasite without chemicals and minimizes the risk of resistance.