What should you do if lice will not comb out? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice treatment (e.g., a permethrin or dimethicone lotion), leave it on for the recommended time, then re‑wet the hair and comb thoroughly with a fine‑toothed nit comb, repeating the process every 2–3 days for a week. Clean bedding, clothing, and personal items with hot water or seal them in plastic bags for 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation.
What should you do if lice will not comb out? - in detail
When lice remain after several attempts with a fine‑toothed comb, follow a systematic approach to eliminate the infestation.
First, verify the combing technique. Use a metal nit‑comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm. Wet the hair with a conditioner to reduce tangles, then comb from scalp to ends in a single, steady motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel to see any captured insects. Repeat the process for each section of the head, working from the crown toward the neck.
If live lice are still visible, incorporate a pediculicide treatment:
- Choose a product containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, applied according to the label.
- Apply to dry hair, saturating the scalp and shafts.
- Leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- After drying, repeat the thorough combing session described above.
Conduct a second combing session 7–10 days later, when any newly hatched nymphs emerge, to catch survivors that escaped the initial chemical exposure.
Simultaneously address the environment:
- Wash all worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal items that cannot be laundered in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the lifespan of a lice egg.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
For resistant cases, consider alternative treatments:
- Apply a dimethicone‑based lotion, which suffocates lice without neurotoxic chemicals.
- Use a 0.5 % ivermectin lotion, following medical guidance.
- Seek professional removal services that employ a combination of chemical and mechanical methods.
Throughout treatment, maintain daily combing for two weeks to confirm eradication. Document any adverse skin reactions and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.