Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that live on the human scalp. They are a common concern, especially among school-aged children, and do not indicate poor hygiene. The physical removal of lice and their eggs, known as nits, through a comb-out method, is an effective way to detect and clear an infestation. This non-chemical approach offers a reliable solution for managing head lice.
Essential Tools for Effective Combing
Assembling the right tools is important for effective combing. A high-quality metal fine-toothed lice comb is crucial, with closely spaced teeth designed to trap and remove lice and nits.
Conditioner, preferably white or light-colored, helps untangle hair and temporarily stun lice, making them easier to catch. Hair clips or ties are useful for sectioning the hair.
Paper towels or a damp cloth are needed to wipe the comb clean after each stroke, and a bowl of soapy water for rinsing it. A strong light source, such as natural sunlight or a bright lamp, enhances visibility, making it easier to spot the small insects and their eggs.
Step-by-Step Combing Process
Begin by washing the hair with regular shampoo, then generously apply conditioner to the wet hair, covering the entire scalp and hair strands. This helps detangle hair and immobilize lice.
Next, use a wide-toothed comb to thoroughly untangle the hair, ensuring it moves freely without snagging. This prevents the fine-toothed lice comb from pulling or breaking hair during combing.
Once detangled, divide hair into small, manageable sections using clips or ties. Work section by section to ensure no area is missed.
Start at the scalp, placing the fine-toothed lice comb flat against the head. Draw it firmly from the roots to the ends of the hair. Lice stay close to the scalp, so start as close as possible.
After each stroke, examine the comb for lice or nits. Wipe the comb clean on a paper towel or damp cloth, then rinse it in the bowl of soapy water before the next stroke.
Continue combing each section multiple times until no more lice or nits are found. Ensure hair remains wet and well-conditioned throughout the session, as the conditioner’s effect on stunning lice can diminish after about 20 minutes, requiring reapplication.
Identifying Lice and Nits
Identifying head lice and nits is important for effective treatment, as they can be mistaken for other hair debris like dandruff or hairspray droplets. Adult head lice are tiny insects, about the size of a sesame seed, ranging from tan to grayish-white. They have six legs and move by crawling, as they cannot fly or jump.
Nits, which are lice eggs, are oval-shaped and very small, about the size of a knot in thread. They can appear yellow, white, or brown, with empty eggshells often looking lighter. A distinguishing feature of nits is their firm attachment to the hair shaft, typically within a quarter inch of the scalp, secured with a strong, waterproof, glue-like substance. Unlike dandruff, which flakes off easily, nits are difficult to remove. They are most commonly found in warmer areas of the head, such as behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Follow-Up and Environmental Care
After the initial comb-out, thorough cleaning of all tools is important. Combs and brushes should be soaked in hot water, at least 130°F (54.4°C), for 10 minutes to kill any remaining lice or nits.
Establishing a regular re-combing schedule is essential to fully eradicate an infestation. This involves repeating the wet-combing procedure every 2 to 3 days for at least two to three weeks, or until no live lice have been found for 10 consecutive days. This repeated combing helps to capture any newly hatched nymphs before they mature and are able to lay new eggs, effectively breaking the lice life cycle.
Regarding environmental care, extensive cleaning of the home is generally not necessary, as head lice cannot survive long off a human host. Adult lice typically perish within 24 to 48 hours without a blood meal, and nits require the warmth of the scalp to hatch and will not hatch if dislodged.
However, washing recently used bedding, clothing, and hair accessories in hot water and drying them on a high heat setting can help. Items that cannot be machine-washed can be sealed in an airtight plastic bag for at least 10 to 14 days to ensure any lingering lice or nits die. Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture is also a reasonable measure, especially in areas where the infested person spent significant time.