What should you do with a comb if there are lice? - briefly
Immediately sanitize the comb by soaking it in hot (≥130 °F) water with shampoo or a lice‑killing solution, then rinse and dry thoroughly; if the comb cannot be cleaned effectively, replace it with a new one. This prevents re‑infestation and eliminates any remaining nits.
What should you do with a comb if there are lice? - in detail
When a head‑lice outbreak occurs, the comb used for removal must be treated as a potential source of reinfestation. Immediate action prevents the lice or their eggs from surviving on the instrument.
- Remove all hair strands from the teeth of the comb.
- Submerge the comb in water that is at least 130 °F (54 °C) for five minutes. The temperature kills both insects and eggs.
- Add a tablespoon of regular laundry detergent or a mild dish‑soap to the water. Agitate to release any debris stuck in the crevices.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water to eliminate soap residue.
- Disinfect by soaking the comb for ten minutes in one of the following solutions:
- 1 % household bleach (10 mL bleach per litre of water)
- 70 % isopropyl alcohol
- Commercial disinfectant labeled for lice control
- Rinse again, then place the comb on a clean towel and allow it to air‑dry completely before reuse.
If the comb cannot withstand high heat or chemical exposure, boiling for three minutes offers an alternative sterilization method. For plastic combs that show signs of wear or damage, disposal is advisable; place the item in a sealed bag and discard it with regular trash.
After treatment, repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for at least two weeks. Inspect the comb after each session for any remaining nits; remove them manually before the next use. Proper handling of the comb, combined with systematic removal, reduces the risk of recurrence and ensures effective eradication of the infestation.