Option B: Wet Combing Method: Remove the Lice
Wet combing is based on the life cycle of lice.It focuses on removing the live lice and does not require removing nits from the head.Combing treatments are done every 3 4 days over a two week period to break the life cycle of the lice by removing them before they are fully grown and able to spread or lay eggs.
This option is safe for infants and pregnant women.Re-infestation can occur so consult your local health unit if you need more options.
Steps to Follow
| Do | Remember |
| Wash hair with ordinary shampoo and rinse. | Note:on average, a wet combing session takes about hour per person |
| Apply cup of conditioner (any brand) all over head and scalp. Do not rinse out the conditioner. | Untangle hair with a regular wide toothed comb. Wet conditioner will immobilize the lice. |
| Comb sections of hair using a metal nit comb. Divide the hair into small sections and firmly draw the comb from the scalp to the end of the hair. After each stroke rinse the comb in a sink or bowl of warm water and wipe dry. Do the entire head making sure the head stays very wet. | Metal nit combs are available at your local pharmacy. If it tugs the hair it may be upside down. |
| Rinse hair. Leave the hair dripping wet. Repeat step 3 combing without conditioner until no lice are found. | Check the comb and your fingernails for lice (you don't want to give them a ride back to your head). |
| Repeat steps 1 4 every 3 4 days for two weeks (For example, wet comb on day 1, day 5, day 9, day 13) | Use a wide tooth comb to untangle and then use the fine tooth metal nit comb again. |
| If you find any lice following treatment, this is a new infestation of lice and you will need to wet comb the hair for another two weeks. | This breaks the life cycle of the louse by removing the lice before they are fully grown and able to spread or lay eggs |
After Treatment Checklist
- Wash in hot water, all bedding, towels and clothes used in the past 2-3 days including those worn during treatment.
- Launder all washable clothing, bedding, and towels in small loads with hot water and/or put in hot dryer for 20 minutes.
- Wash hair brushes, combs and hair accessories (barrettes, ribbons, etc) with hot soapy water.
- Anything that can't be washed (ie; Blankets, coats, headwear, stuffed toys) can be treated by: placing in a closed plastic bag for 10 days or putting in a hot dryer for 20 minutes or putting in the freezer for 48 hours or ironing it.
- There is no evidence that a major cleaning of the house is needed to get rid of head lice. Only items that have been in direct contact with the affected person(s) need to be washed.
- Repeat treatment according to option chosen.
- Notify those in contact with child that lice/nits were found, ie; school, Brownies, Scouts, sports teams, friends.
