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The Importance of Removing The Nits
You can kill adult head lice, and the second stage nymphs, but if you don’t get rid of the nits, you will not get rid of the lice. Hair combing is an essential part of getting rid of head lice. This is a time-consuming process but an important step in controlling the lice infestation. Reinfestation is likely to occur if the hair is not combed thoroughly each day.
You will find nit combs in packages of special shampoos or you can buy one at most drugstores. It is better to use a metal comb made especially for removing nits. Plastic combs are not as effective. You also may use a new pet flea brush to use in removing nits.
You will need to gather a few supplies before you begin the tedious business of removing nits. This will require patience for both the person infected and the one combing the hair. Be prepared for a long first session, especially if the hair is long! You will need a box of tissues and a plastic bag, a nit comb, a pair of safety scissors, bright lamp, and hair clips for sectioning the hair. It is a good idea to provide entertainment especially if the person treated is a child.
Combing should be done after the use of a product to kill the head lice. Use regular shampoo and conditioner after a head louse shampoo. Leave the conditioner in the hair. The temperature of the water should be as hot as the person can stand. Be careful with a child because their head is more sensitive to heat than an older person. Use a regular comb to detangle the hair and prepare it for the special nit comb.
Start at the crown of the head and separate the hair into sections that are about 1 inch by ½ in. Using the nit comb, start as close to the scalp as you can and pull slowly through the hair. Wipe the comb, or dip it in hot soapy water to remove dead lice and nits the comb caught. If it appears you didn’t get all the nits the first time, comb that section again. If you are cleaning the comb each time with a tissue, put them in a plastic bag for disposal.
Do not go on to the next section of hair until you are sure you have removed all lice and nits. Once you are finished with a section, pit it out of the way with a hair clip and go on to the next section. If the hair begins to dry during this process, you may need to rewet it so you can comb it easier without pulling and hair loss.
It isn’t necessary to cut the person’s hair anymore. You can control nits and head lice with special shampoos, home remedies, and combing the nits out of the hair. If you find the nit is especially stuck to the hair shaft, use your fingernails to dislodge and pull it off. The shorter the hair, the easier it is to conquer head lice. If Reinfestation occurs many times, you may consider cutting the hair short so your head lice treatment and combing will be more effective.
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Wed 17 Mar 2010 18:34:58 CST | |