What will happen if you don’t comb out lice after treatment? - briefly
«Failure to remove live lice and nits after medication permits surviving eggs to hatch, leading to immediate reinfestation. Symptoms such as itching resume, often requiring another round of treatment.»
What will happen if you don’t comb out lice after treatment? - in detail
Failing to eliminate lice and nits with a fine‑toothed comb after applying a pediculicide leaves a substantial portion of the infestation intact. The chemical agent typically kills only the mobile insects; eggs remain largely unaffected. Consequently, surviving nits hatch within 7‑10 days, re‑establishing the population and producing the same symptoms that prompted treatment.
Re‑infestation manifests through persistent itching, localized scalp irritation, and visible crawling insects. The cycle of emergence and feeding may lead to secondary bacterial infection of the scalp, especially in cases of intense scratching. Moreover, untreated eggs create a reservoir that can spread to other household members or close contacts, extending the problem beyond the original host.
Key consequences of omitting the combing step:
- Incomplete eradication of the life cycle; up to 80 % of nits survive.
- Rapid resurgence of crawling lice within one week.
- Ongoing pruritus and risk of scalp lesions.
- Increased likelihood of transmission to family members, classmates, or coworkers.
- Potential need for additional chemical treatments, raising the risk of resistance and adverse skin reactions.
To prevent these outcomes, the recommended protocol after any pediculicide application includes:
- Wait the manufacturer‑specified interval (usually 24‑48 hours) before combing.
- Use a metal or plastic nit comb, sectioning the hair and pulling the comb from scalp to tip with steady pressure.
- Repeat the combing process every 2‑3 days for at least two weeks, covering the entire hair length each session.
- Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate stray nits.
Adhering to this combing regimen ensures that both live lice and their eggs are removed, breaking the reproductive cycle and eliminating the infestation permanently.