How to comb out lice on a child? - briefly
Wet the hair, apply a fine‑toothed nit comb, and run it from scalp to ends, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to eliminate all eggs.
How to comb out lice on a child? - in detail
To eliminate head‑lice infestations by using a fine‑toothed comb, follow a systematic approach.
First, gather the necessary items: a metal or plastic nit‑comb with 0.2‑mm teeth, a fine‑tooth plastic comb for detangling, a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild shampoo, disposable gloves, and a clean towel. Keep a separate container for the combed material to avoid re‑contamination.
Prepare the child’s hair by washing it with a regular shampoo and rinsing thoroughly. While the hair is still damp, apply a small amount of a clear conditioner or a dedicated lice‑removal lotion to reduce friction. Do not use oily products, as they can obscure the lice and make detection harder.
Begin combing at the scalp, starting a few centimeters from the crown, where lice concentrate. Drag the nit‑comb through each section slowly, moving the teeth toward the scalp and then pulling them out toward the hair tip. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel or rinse it in the water bowl to remove any captured insects and eggs. Continue this process for the entire head, working in small, overlapping sections.
Repeat the combing session every 2–3 days for a total of at least three cycles, because newly hatched nymphs emerge within 7–10 days. After each session, wash the child’s pillowcases, hats, scarves, and any fabrics that contacted the hair in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
Additional recommendations:
- Perform the procedure in a well‑lit area to see lice and nits clearly.
- Use a mirror or enlist a second adult to check the back of the head.
- Keep the child still but comfortable; short breaks can prevent agitation.
- Dispose of collected lice and eggs by sealing them in a plastic bag and discarding in the trash.
By adhering to this routine, the infestation can be eradicated without resorting to chemical treatments.