How can lice be treated using a comb? - briefly
Apply a fine‑toothed nit comb to damp, conditioned hair, starting at the scalp and moving to the tips, removing each louse and egg; repeat the process daily for a week to ensure complete eradication.
How can lice be treated using a comb? - in detail
A fine‑toothed lice comb provides a mechanical method for removing live insects and nits from the scalp. The approach relies on physically separating the parasite from the hair shaft, eliminating the need for chemical agents.
Select a comb made of stainless steel or rigid plastic with teeth spaced 0.2–0.3 mm apart. The teeth must be sturdy enough to grip the egg shell yet narrow enough to pass through the hair without breaking. Use a comb specifically marketed for pediculosis; ordinary hairbrushes lack the required density.
Begin with clean, damp hair. Apply a conditioner or a small amount of water‑based spray to reduce friction and allow the teeth to glide smoothly. Divide the hair into sections of 2–3 cm, securing each with a clip. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section from root to tip in a single, steady motion. After each pass, wipe the teeth on a white tissue to inspect for captured lice or nits; remove any visible debris before the next pass.
Repeat the process for every section, ensuring overlapping passes so that no area is missed. Perform the combing session for 10–15 minutes per treatment. Clean the comb immediately after use by soaking it in hot, soapy water for at least five minutes, then rinsing and drying.
Schedule repeat sessions every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice emerge from eggs that survive the initial removal. Continue until two consecutive examinations reveal no live insects or viable nits.
Additional recommendations:
- Perform combing on a well‑lit surface to improve visibility of eggs.
- Avoid using hair products that create a greasy coating, which can obscure nits.
- Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
- For very dense or long hair, consider a second comb with slightly wider spacing to reduce breakage while still capturing nits.
Consistent mechanical removal, combined with proper hygiene measures, eliminates the infestation without reliance on insecticides.