How should a comb be treated to remove lice? - briefly
Immerse the lice‑comb in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) for five minutes, then rinse with a 10 % diluted bleach or 70 % isopropyl alcohol solution and let it air‑dry completely before reuse. Repeat the procedure after each treatment session to ensure all viable nits are eliminated.
How should a comb be treated to remove lice? - in detail
The comb used for lice removal must be cleaned, disinfected, and stored in a manner that eliminates viable eggs and nymphs.
First, rinse the comb immediately after each use with hot water (≥ 50 °C) to dissolve debris and loosen adhesive substances.
Second, submerge the device for at least five minutes in one of the following solutions:
- 70 % isopropyl alcohol, which denatures proteins and destroys arthropod exoskeletons.
- A 1 % bleach solution (sodium hypochlorite diluted with water), which oxidizes cellular components.
- Boiling water (100 °C) for ten minutes, which thermally inactivates all life stages.
If alcohol or bleach is employed, rinse the comb thoroughly with clean water to remove residual chemicals that could irritate the scalp.
Third, dry the comb completely using a clean lint‑free cloth or by air‑drying on a sterile surface. Moisture promotes microbial growth and may compromise the efficacy of subsequent treatments.
Fourth, inspect the teeth for damage or wear. Missing or bent teeth reduce the ability to capture nits; replace the comb when wear is evident.
Fifth, store the cleaned comb in a sealed, airtight container or a zip‑lock bag to prevent re‑contamination before the next session.
For repeated infestations, repeat the cleaning cycle after each combing session. Consistent application of the described protocol maximizes removal of lice and their eggs while minimizing reinfestation risk.