How to remove nits after lice? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, combing from the scalp outward and cleaning the comb after each pass; repeat daily for a week while laundering bedding and clothing in hot water.
How to remove nits after lice? - in detail
Nits are lice eggs attached firmly to hair shafts; failure to eliminate them can lead to re‑infestation. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal with appropriate chemical treatment.
A suitable toolkit includes a fine‑toothed nit comb (30‑40 µm spacing), a regular fine comb, a white towel, a bowl of warm water, a mild pediculicide approved for children, and a disposable towel or paper towel for disposal. Hair should be washed with a regular shampoo, rinsed, and towel‑dried before combing.
Procedure:
- Apply the pediculicide according to the product label; allow the recommended exposure time, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- While hair remains damp, lay it on a white towel to improve visibility of the eggs.
- Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb through a ¼‑inch section of hair, pulling the comb from root to tip in a single smooth motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on the towel to remove collected nits.
- Repeat the combing process on each section, working from the back of the head forward, ensuring every strand is treated. A second pass with the fine comb helps capture any missed eggs.
- After combing, rinse the hair again and dry completely. Place all used combs, towels, and disposed hair in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours before discarding.
Post‑treatment steps:
- Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray eggs.
- Perform a follow‑up combing session after 7‑10 days, as any surviving nits will have hatched.
Preventive measures:
- Encourage regular inspection of hair, especially after group activities.
- Limit head‑to‑head contact and avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories.
- Use a preventive nit‑comb weekly during peak lice season.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates residual eggs and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.