How do you comb out lice from a child at home?

How do you comb out lice from a child at home? - briefly

Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, working in small sections from the scalp outward and wiping the comb on a damp cloth after each pass. Repeat the process until no live lice or nits are seen, then launder bedding and clothing in hot water.

How do you comb out lice from a child at home? - in detail

Begin by gathering the necessary tools: a fine‑toothed lice comb (often 0.2 mm spacing), a white towel or paper towel, a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild shampoo, and a pair of disposable gloves. Prepare a clean, well‑lit area where the child can sit comfortably.

1. Pre‑treatment

   • Wash the child’s hair with regular shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and gently towel‑dry, leaving the hair damp but not dripping.
   • Apply a small amount of conditioner to detangle; this reduces comb resistance and minimizes hair breakage.

2. Combining process

   • Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with insects.
   • Starting at the scalp, place the comb’s base as close to the skin as possible.
   • Pull the comb forward slowly, covering the entire width of the hair strand.
   • After each pass, wipe the comb on the white towel to visualize any captured nits or live lice.
   • Rinse the comb in the water bowl after each stroke to remove debris and prevent re‑infestation of the same section.
   • Repeat the procedure on each section, moving from the crown to the nape and from the sides to the back.

3. Post‑combing

   • Rinse the hair once more with warm water to clear residual shampoo and conditioner.
   • Inspect the towel; count any live lice. If more than a few are found, repeat the combing session after 24 hours, as newly hatched nymphs may appear.

4. Environmental control

   • Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used during treatment in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
   • Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any remaining eggs.

5. Follow‑up

   • Conduct daily comb checks for the next seven days, using the same fine‑toothed comb.
   • Continue treatment until no live lice are observed for two consecutive days.

Adhering strictly to these steps maximizes removal efficiency, reduces the risk of re‑infestation, and minimizes discomfort for the child.