Why should lice be combed out after treatment? - briefly
Combing after medication physically removes dead insects and attached nits, eliminating sources of reinfestation. It also confirms treatment efficacy by showing that no viable lice remain.
Why should lice be combed out after treatment? - in detail
After a pediculicide has been applied, the scalp still contains live insects, eggs that have not yet hatched, and dead remnants. Mechanical removal with a fine‑toothed comb separates these particles from hair shafts, allowing the medication to reach the target organisms more effectively. Removing dead lice eliminates a source of irritation and prevents the scalp from becoming a breeding ground for secondary infection.
The combing process also reveals any surviving nits that the chemical agent may have missed. By pulling each strand taut and sliding the comb from scalp to tip, the operator can capture eggs that are firmly attached to the hair cuticle. Extracting these nits reduces the chance of hatching within 7–10 days, which would otherwise cause a resurgence of the infestation.
Repeated combing sessions, typically performed every 2–3 days for two weeks, verify that the treatment continues to work. Each session provides a visual check: a clear comb indicates successful eradication, while the presence of lice or nits signals the need for additional treatment or a different product. This feedback loop prevents unnoticed re‑infestation.
Mechanical removal also limits the development of resistance. Overreliance on chemical agents alone selects for tolerant lice strains. Incorporating combing reduces the number of treatment cycles required, thereby decreasing the selective pressure on the parasite population.
In practice, the following steps ensure optimal results:
- Apply the prescribed medication according to label instructions.
- Wait the recommended exposure time, then rinse hair thoroughly.
- While hair is still damp, section it into manageable sections.
- Use a metal or plastic nit comb, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends.
- Rinse the comb after each pass to remove captured material.
- Dispose of collected lice and nits in a sealed container.
- Repeat the process every 48–72 hours for 14 days, checking each comb for residual insects.
By combining chemical treatment with systematic combing, the infestation is eliminated more completely, recurrence is minimized, and the risk of complications such as secondary bacterial infection is reduced.