What will happen if nits and lice are not combed out after treatment? - briefly
Remaining eggs will hatch, leading to reinfestation, and surviving lice can repopulate, nullifying the treatment’s effect. Without thorough removal, the cycle repeats and symptoms persist.
What will happen if nits and lice are not combed out after treatment? - in detail
Failing to remove lice eggs and adult insects after an eradication protocol leaves viable stages that can repopulate the scalp within days. The treatment typically kills only the active parasites; unremoved eggs hatch, producing new lice that resume feeding and laying. This rapid cycle restores the infestation, often requiring a second round of medication that may be less effective because the surviving population can develop resistance.
Continued feeding by newly emerged lice causes persistent pruritus, which can lead to excessive scratching. Repeated trauma to the skin compromises the epidermal barrier, increasing the risk of bacterial infection such as impetigo. Secondary infection can produce erythema, crusting, and, in severe cases, cellulitis that may need medical intervention.
Unaddressed eggs also serve as a reservoir for re‑infestation among close contacts—family members, classmates, or coworkers—because nits can be transferred via headgear, pillows, or shared clothing. The broader community may experience a resurgence of the problem, extending the duration of control measures and raising overall treatment costs.
Typical outcomes of neglecting thorough combing include:
- Rapid re‑emergence of live lice within 3–7 days
- Persistent itching and skin irritation
- Elevated likelihood of secondary bacterial infection
- Increased probability of resistance to common pediculicides
- Wider spread to other individuals in the same environment
Effective resolution therefore requires meticulous mechanical removal of all visible nits and adult insects after chemical treatment, followed by repeat inspection after 7–10 days to confirm that no hatchlings remain.