Quick Answer
Using a lice comb daily is generally not necessary for most people. Lice combs are designed to be used selectively when trying to remove lice and nits during an active infestation. After successful treatment, most experts recommend checking for lice weekly or biweekly rather than daily. However, some people may choose to use a lice comb more frequently as part of a prevention strategy if lice is common in their community.
What is a lice comb?
A lice comb is a special fine-toothed comb designed specifically for removing head lice and nits from the hair. The teeth are typically spaced 0.2-0.3mm apart so they can catch even the smallest nits. Unlike regular combs and brushes, lice combs are made of metal or high-quality plastic to ensure the teeth stay tightly spaced. This allows them to effectively comb through strands of hair and trap lice and nits for removal.
Key features of lice combs
– Fine, tightly spaced teeth (usually metal or high quality plastic)
– Handle for grip while combing
– Can be used on wet or dry hair
– Allows for removal of lice and nits from hair
When should you use a lice comb?
Lice combs are primarily used during active lice infestations to help remove live lice and nits from the hair. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following uses for lice combs as part of treating head lice:
– To comb out live lice after using an over-the-counter or prescription lice treatment product. This can help remove any surviving lice.
– To remove nits from hair strands. This should be done daily for at least 2 weeks after completing initial treatment to help ensure all immature lice are removed before they can hatch and reinfest the hair.
– To screen for lingering infestation 2-3 weeks after completing treatment. The lice comb can identify any live lice that may indicate treatment needs to be repeated.
Outside of active infestations, some people choose to use lice combs periodically as part of routine hair care and a prevention strategy. However, most experts say there is no need to use the lice comb daily or even weekly if you or your family members do not have an active infestation.
When lice combs are NOT recommended:
– For daily grooming purposes – unlike regular brushes/combs, using a lice comb too frequently can damage hair.
– As the sole treatment method – lice combs alone will not kill live lice or unhatched nits. Medicated treatments are still required.
– On dry hair – lice combs work best on wet, freshly washed hair.
Should you use a lice comb as prevention?
Using a lice comb daily or weekly is generally not required as a preventative measure for most people. However, some parents choose to check their kids periodically with a lice comb when lice outbreaks are common in their community or school.
Here are some factors to consider regarding using lice combs for prevention:
Pros of routine lice combing:
– Can help find infestations early before they spread or become severe
– May remove some recently acquired lice before they reproduce and cause a full-blown infestation
– Provides peace of mind during lice outbreaks
Cons of routine lice combing:
– Not necessary if individuals have no symptoms or known exposure to lice
– Combing too frequently can damage the hair and scalp
– Does not prevent lice from being acquired in the first place
Expert recommendations:
– American Academy of Pediatrics: Does not recommend routine screening or preventative treatment/combing outside of active infestations.
– CDC: Suggests periodic head checks but does not specify a particular frequency. Recommends routine combing only if active infestation is found.
– Mayo Clinic: Advises weekly lice checks during outbreaks at school/camp, but no routine combing in the absence of an active infestation.
How often should you check for lice?
Most experts advise checking for head lice about once a week or every other week when lice transmission is common in the community, such as at schools, camps, sports activities, sleepovers, etc. Checking more frequently than this is usually not cost-effective or beneficial.
Here are some general recommendations on lice screening frequency:
Children:
– Weekly checks during peak lice season or active outbreaks at school
– Every 2 weeks during non-peak seasons or if no known exposures
– Whenever exposed to environments with higher infestation risk (sleepovers, camps, sports teams, etc.)
Adults:
– Periodic head checks 1-2 times per month if living/working around children
– Whenever exposed to risky environments like schools, nursing homes, childcare centers
– Whenever experiencing symptoms of itching or feeling something moving in the hair
Of course individuals can check for lice more frequently if desired, but most experts agree there is little added benefit to excessive combing in the absence of an active infestation.
Tips for effective lice combing
If you choose to periodically use a lice comb as a preventative measure or treatment aid, here are some tips for safe, effective technique:
Preparation:
– Wash hair thoroughly with a lice-killing shampoo to help loosen any lice or nits.
– Apply plenty of regular conditioner to help detangle hair and lubricate the comb.
– Have paper towels or tissues ready to wipe the comb between strokes.
Combing method:
– Work in small sections starting from the scalp outward. Lift a 1-2 inch section and place comb as close to scalp as possible.
– Keep comb teeth touching scalp as you draw it all the way through hair ends. This requires maintaining a firm grip on the hair to lift it slightly from the scalp.
– Check comb for lice/nits after each stroke before continuing to next section. Wipe comb clean before repeating.
– Repeat over entire head from top of scalp downwards. Recheck missed spots by combing upwards or sideways.
– Rinse out conditioner and repeat combing procedure on wet hair to ensure no lice or nits remain.
After combing:
– Disinfect combs and other grooming tools by soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes or rubbing alcohol for 1 hour. This will kill any lingering lice or nits.
– Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, helmets to prevent reinfestation.
– Wash bed linens, hats, hair accessories on hot cycle or dry clean.
How to know if you have lice
The key signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of head lice include:
Itching and irritation of the scalp
– Caused by an allergic reaction to the lice bites.
– Often worse behind ears and nape of neck where lice congregate.
– Can lead to excessive scratching, which may cause skin irritation and even infection.
Tickling sensation of something moving in the hair
– The feeling of lice crawling around the scalp. More noticeable at night or during sedentary activities.
Visible nits attached to hair shafts
– Small, yellowish-white lice eggs firmly glued to hair close the scalp. Resemble dandruff but cannot be easily flicked away.
– Found most often at nape of neck, behind ears and top of head.
Presence of live lice in the hair
– Although small (2-3mm) and hard to spot, crawling lice may be observed on the scalp itself or hair close to the scalp.
– Often found behind ears and near neck and forehead hairline.
– Easier to spot on lighter hair colors.
Red bite marks or sores on scalp
– May develop from excessive lice biting, often behind ears or on neck and scalp.
– Can become infected, leading to pustules and crusting.
– More common in severe infestations left untreated.
Effective treatment and prevention methods
If lice or nits are found, here are some evidence-based treatment and prevention strategies:
Medicated lice treatment products
OTC or prescription medicated lice shampoos, rinses, or lotions should be used as first line treatment. These contain insecticides that kill live lice. Examples include permethrin, pyrethrins, malathion, ivermectin. Follow directions carefully.
Manual nit removal
Use a lice comb 2-3 times per day for 2 full weeks after finishing medicated treatment. This helps remove nits and any surviving lice. Nit picking can also supplement medication.
Non-insecticidal suffocation-based treatments
Dimethicone oils and isopropyl myristate lotions coat and asphyxiate lice. May be used instead of or with insecticides. Requires full 2 week combing regimen.
Hair conditioners or oils
Applying extra conditioner, oil, or silicone lubricants facilitates nit combing. Olive, coconut, mayonnaise are commonly used. Should not replace insecticidal treatments.
Everyday hair washing
Shampooing regularly with a lice-killing product helps prevent reinfestation between treatments. Pyrethrin shampoos can be used twice per week prophylactically.
Avoiding head-to-head contact
Refrain from activities that cause direct head contact, like hugging, for at least 2 weeks after finishing treatment. Discourage sharing of combs, hats, helmets.
Cleaning personal items and environment
Machine wash all clothing, bedding, soft toys on hot cycle then dry on high heat. Clean hair accessories, furniture, car seats.
| Treatment | Application | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Permethrin lotion | Apply to damp hair, leave on 10 min then rinse out | Kills live lice via nerve poisoning |
| Ivermectin lotion | Apply to dry hair, leave on 10 min then rinse out | Paralyzes and kills lice |
| Pyrethrin spray | Spray lightly on dry hair, leave on 10 min then rinse out | Disrupts lice nervous system |
| Dimethicone lotion | Apply liberally to dry hair, leave on 8 hrs or overnight | Coats lice surface and asphyxiates them |
When to seek medical treatment
See your doctor or pediatrician if:
– The infestation persists after 2 or more proper lice treatment cycles. This may indicate insecticide resistance.
– Bothersome itching and swelling persists, which may suggest a secondary infection. Oral antibiotics may be needed.
– You are unable to afford over-the-counter lice remedies or have difficulty manually removing nits. Prescription products or professional nitpicking services may be required.
– Your child develops emotional distress due to social stigma at school. Counseling may help provide coping strategies.
– You suspect eyelash lice, which requires specialized medicated ointment from a doctor.
How to prevent recurring lice outbreaks
Recurring head lice are common after successful treatment. Here are some tips to help prevent repeat lice infestations:
– Check all household members for lingering lice, not just the person first affected. Treat everyone found to be infested.
– Continue manual nit removal with lice comb for 2 full weeks after finishing medical treatment to catch any newly hatched lice.
– Avoid head-to-head contact during outbreaks. Don’t share personal items like brushes, helmets, hair accessories.
– Clean the home environment thoroughly by washing bedding, soft toys, clothes and vacuuming furniture, carpets, mattresses.
– Bag or tightly seal personal care items like combs, brushes and hair ties for 2 weeks until lice and nits are gone.
– Be vigilant for signs of reinfestation, like itching or nits near scalp. Re-treat promptly if live lice are spotted.
– Coordinate lice screening and treatment with other parents if outbreaks become widespread at school or in the community.
Dealing with stigma around head lice
Having head lice often carries social embarrassment and stigma, especially for children. Here are some tips for minimizing stigma:
– Explain to your child that lice have nothing to do with cleanliness or personal hygiene. Anyone can get lice.
– Ifexclusion policies exist, advocate for your child’s confidentiality from other students/parents.
– Avoid excessive absenteeism. Most schools recommend students return after one treatment.
– Braid long hair tightly or use hair gel to make checking/treating easier while avoiding shame over lice.
– Coach your child to respond calmly and factually if teased. Confront stigma directly but maturely.
– Foster open dialog about lice and reassure your child this does not reflect on them as a person.
– Seek counseling if excessive anxiety, depression or self-esteem issues develop due to bullying.
– Spread factual awareness that lice are easily managed and not something to be ashamed about.
Conclusion
While lice combs are useful aids for treating and removing lice and eggs during active infestations, daily combing is generally excessive for prevention in the absence of noticeable symptoms or exposure. Checking hair diligently 1-2 times per week during outbreaks and avoiding direct head contact can help control transmission without being excessively disruptive. Whether combing daily, weekly or periodically, practicing safe, careful technique is important to avoid damage to the hair and scalp. If found early and managed diligently, cases of head lice can usually be effectively treated and controlled with both medicated and mechanical removal methods until reinfestation risk is minimized.