How to treat a comb after lice appear? - briefly
Soak the comb in water at least 54 °C for ten minutes, then scrub with detergent and rinse thoroughly. Dry on high heat or replace the comb to eliminate any remaining eggs.
How to treat a comb after lice appear? - in detail
When lice are detected, the comb used for removal must be decontaminated to prevent re‑infestation. The process involves three phases: immediate cleaning, chemical disinfection, and post‑treatment handling.
First, remove visible insects and nits by rinsing the comb under hot running water. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb to scrape each tooth, ensuring that all debris is dislodged. After rinsing, place the comb in a bowl of soapy water and agitate for one minute to loosen residual organic material.
Second, apply a disinfectant that is effective against arthropods. Suitable agents include:
- 70 % isopropyl alcohol, poured over the comb and left to soak for five minutes;
- Diluted bleach solution (one part household bleach to nine parts water), applied with a spray bottle and left for ten minutes;
- Commercial lice‑comb sanitizing spray, following the manufacturer’s recommended contact time.
After the chosen disinfectant has acted, rinse the comb thoroughly with clean water to remove chemical residues. Dry the tool completely by laying it on a clean towel or using a low‑heat dryer; moisture promotes bacterial growth.
Third, store the comb in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container until the next use. If the comb is damaged, cracked, or shows signs of wear, discard it and replace it with a new, sterile model. Regular replacement, ideally every few months, reduces the risk of hidden eggs surviving between treatment cycles.
Maintaining the comb in this manner eliminates lice and nits, supporting overall eradication efforts and minimizing the chance of recurrence.