Comb for combing out lice and nits - which one to choose and how to use, how to use an electric comb, a lice comb and an elastic band

• about the author
• VK profile

Svetlana Tarasova

Hairdresser-stylist with more than 8 years of experience, expert in the field of haircuts, styling, hair care, coloring.
Pediculosis or lice is one of the most common and unpleasant diseases . Lice bites are not pleasant in themselves; they are also accompanied by itching, rashes and skin irritation. In addition, parasites can be carriers of other, more dangerous diseases. Children are especially susceptible to parasite attacks, which complicates the problem because... Not all pharmaceutical drugs are applicable to them due to their toxicity. An effective and safe method of removing lice in this case is combing out with a special comb.

Mechanical method of combating pediculosis and basic tools

There are two ways to control lice: chemical and mechanical. The first is to use special antiparasitic agents - insecticides. They have a nerve-paralytic effect on the insect, depriving it of the ability to move, feed and reproduce.

The mechanical method involves removing adults and nits from the affected area . Most often, this is combing out with a fine-toothed comb - the oldest and in many ways the most reliable option for combating lice. It has no health or age restrictions due to the absence of side effects, i.e. it can be used to treat children, pregnant and lactating women, patients with a tendency to allergies.

REFERENCE! The comb is not the only tool for mechanical control of lice. In ancient times (and to this day in some tribes that have preserved the primitive system), people combed each other's hair and crushed lice with their own fingers. If your eyelashes are affected by pubic lice, the easiest, and most importantly safe, way is to remove them with your hands.

Moreover, the chemical method of combating pediculosis in itself may be ineffective, because toxic substances are not able to penetrate the thick and dense chitinous shell of nits. The so-called combined option is preferable, when combing is carried out after using chemicals to achieve the best result.

IMPORTANT! Combs are used as an independent or auxiliary remedy for the treatment of head lice.

Links[edit]

Quotes [edit]

1. Rasmussen & Nekaris 1998, p. 252.
2. Cartmill 2010, p. 15.
3. ^ ab Cuozzo and Yamashita 2006, p. 68.
4. ^ a b c d f Cuozzo and Yamashita 2006, p. 73.
5. ^ ab Szalay & Seligsohn 1977, p. 76.
6. Eaglen 1980, pp. 278 and 280.
7. ↑
   Wood Jones, 1918, pp. 345–346.
8. ^B with Eaglen 1980, pp. 279-280.
9. Jump up
   ↑ Mooring, McKenzie & Hart 1996, p. 970.
10. ^a b in Mackenzie 1990, p. 117.
11. ^ ab Mooring, McKenzie & Hart 1996, p. 966.
12. ^ a b Stevens et al. 2009, p. 974.
13. ^ a b Eaglen 1980, p. 277.
14. ^ B s d e g Rose, Walker & Jacobs, 1981, p. 583.
15. ^ B s d e f Ankel-Simons 2007, p. 235.
16. Eaglen 1980, p. 281.
17. ↑
    Osman Hill, 1953, pp. 52–53.
18. ^ abc Szalay & Seligsohn 1977, p. 78.
19. Eaglen 1980, p. 279.
20. Ankel-Simons 2007, p. 234.
21. ↑
    Osman Hill, 1953, p. 53.
22. Wood Jones 1918, p. 345.
23. ^ a b Wood Jones 1918, p. 347.
24. ↑
    Osman Hill, 1953, p. 73.
25. Ankel-Simons 2007, pp. 421-423.
26. Ankel-Simons 2007, p. 254.
27. Ankel-Simons 2007, p. 233.
28. Szalai & Seligsohn 1977, pp. 78-79.
29. Ankel-Simons 2007, p. 257.
30. ^ B s d e e Rose, Walker & Jacobs, 1981, p. 585.
31. ^ abc Wood Jones 1918, p. 346.
32. Jump up
    ↑ Sargis 2004, p. 58.
33. ^ ab Ankel-Simons 2007, p. 238.
34. ^ a b c d Rosenberger 2010, p. 291.
35. ↑
    Roberts 1941, p. 236.
36. ↑
    Roberts, 1941, pp. 236–237.
37. Jump up
    ↑ Schwartz 2003, pp. 66–67.
38. Masser & Dagosto 1987, pp. 33-34.
39. Jump up
    ↑ Schmid 1983, pp. 6–8.
40. Cuozzo & Yamashita 2006, p. 72.
41. ^ ab Cuozzo and Yamashita 2006, pp. 74–76.
42. Jump up
    ↑ Rosenberger & Strasser 1985, p. 73.
43. Jump up
    ↑ Asher 1998, p. 355.
44. ^ abc Szalay & Seligsohn 1977, pp. 76–77.
45. Szalai & Seligsohn 1977, p. 80.
46. Mittermeier et al. 2010, p. 572.
47. Jump up
    ↑ Rosenberger & Strasser 1985, p. 74.
48. Godino 2006, p. 455.
49. ^ a b c d Godino 2006, p. 446.
50. Godino 2006, pp. 446-447.
51. Szalai & Seligsohn 1977, p. 77.
52. Tattersall 2006, p. 9.
53. Godino 2006, p. 447.
54. Rasmussen & Nekaris 1998, pp. 256-258.
55. Godino 2006, pp. 455-456.
56. ^ a b c d Seiffert et al. 2005, p. 11400.
57. Godino 2006, p. 452.
58. Jump up
    ↑ Beard 2004, pp. 55–56.
59. Jump up
    ↑ Beard, 2004, pp. 51–52.
60. Godino 2006, pp. 453-455.
61. Jump up
    ↑ Simons & Rasmussen 1994, p. 9946.
62. Rasmussen & Nekaris 1998, p. 261.
63. Godino 2006, p. 458.
64. Tattersall 2006, pp. 8-9.
65. Godino 2006, pp. 447-449.
66. Jaeger et al. 2010, p. 1095.
67. Seiffert et al. 2005, p. 11396.
68. Tattersall 2006, p. 7.
69. Seifert, Simons & Attiyah 2003, pp. 423-424.
70. Cuozzo & Yamashita 2006, pp. 73-74.
71. Szalai & Seligsohn 1977, p. 75.
72. ^ ab Rosenberger & Strasser 1985, p. 75.
73. Szalai & Seligsohn 1977, pp. 80-81.
74. Cuozzo & Yamashita 2006, p. 74.
75. Eaglen 1980, p. 276.

Comb for lice and nits - main types and TOP best brands

Depending on the material used, the combs can be:

• metal,

• plastic,

• wooden.

REFERENCE! Often plastic combs are included in the same package with a lice treatment (shampoo, spray, emulsion).

Scallops made of plastic and wood are largely outdated today. Thus, plastic models often bend during use, which increases the gap between the teeth and lice are not captured.

Wooden combs are stronger, but, as a rule, do not have the required frequency and length of teeth. The main advantage of such combs is their lower price compared to metal ones.

Metal combs

Metal combs are made of hard and durable alloys, such as steel, due to which they do not bend and have an almost unlimited service life. Such combs are strikingly different from a regular comb even in appearance - they have long and very frequent teeth .

REFERENCE! The size of an adult head louse is 2.5-4 mm, nits are about 0.5 mm. The distance between the teeth of the anti-pediculosis comb should be less than these values.

For better capture of small parasites, some models have special notches on the teeth. At the same time, the tool must be safe for the human scalp and not cause wounds or cuts. For this purpose, the tips of the teeth are rounded.

AntiV

One of the most popular models of modern anti-pediculosis combs. The elongated, serrated teeth remove lice and nits effectively and reliably.

Thanks to the round handle with silicone inserts, the product is comfortable to hold in your hands, it does not slip out and does not injure the skin.

LiceGuard

The model’s teeth are made of steel and coated with an anti-corrosion compound . The handle is made of lightweight plastic and has a fairly comfortable shape.

The kit includes 2 combs: one with longer teeth, the other with shorter ones. This allows you to use the product on hair of different types and any length. In addition to the combs themselves, a hairpin is included to easily separate hair into strands. The tip of the instrument is a magnifying glass.

NitFree

The product is made of high quality steel, the teeth with notches are fastened using. Thanks to this technology, the comb will last a long time. Although externally similar to the AntiV comb, the product has a significant drawback - during operation, too sharp teeth injure the skin and hair.

Electric combs for lice and nits

An electric comb is currently the most progressive and effective way to get rid of parasites on hair. The principle of operation is an electrical impulse of a point effect. A small discharge of current is absolutely safe for humans, but is destructive for unwanted guests in his hair - the insect loses the ability to move and dies.

The big advantage of the gadget is that parasites do not develop resistance, as happens when using chemicals.

Electric comb RobiComb

The device runs on batteries. The base of the comb is plastic, but the teeth are metal and short in length. To prevent contact with the scalp, the teeth are protected by plastic projections. The kit includes a brush for cleaning the tool.

REFERENCE! In schools in the USA and Japan, an electric comb is used to diagnose head lice in children. When an insect hits the teeth of the device, a characteristic buzzing sound appears, signaling the presence of a disease.

The comb effectively destroys lice and nits without harming human health. The current discharge kills the insect, so even if it falls, it will not be able to move to a new host and parasitize in his head.

ATTENTION! For safety reasons, the device should only be used on dry hair!

Pros and cons of combing as a method of combating parasites

Advantages:

• The comb can be used not only in the treatment of pediculosis, but also as a diagnosis of the disease and its prevention.
• Unlike most chemical products, the comb is equally effective against both adult lice and their larvae - nits.
• Mechanical treatment of hair without the use of toxic substances is absolutely safe and therefore can be used in the treatment of head lice in children, at any stage of pregnancy, during lactation, as well as for diseases of the respiratory system (asthma, bronchitis) and a tendency to allergies. In other words, this method has no contraindications.
• The service life of the comb is practically unlimited, which means that if you buy the tool once, you can use it many times.

Flaws:

• Hard metal teeth with notches can damage your hair.
• To comb out, it is necessary to attract an assistant who will carry out the procedure, because... It is important to see if the comb has captured parasites.
• A high-quality device is not cheap.

Instructions for use

In order for combing to bring the expected result, it is necessary to carry out the procedure correctly.

1. Wash your hair using a special anti-pediculosis or regular shampoo.
2. It is advisable to rinse your hair with a vinegar solution in order to remove the sticky secretion, with the help of which nits sit firmly on the surface of the hair.
3. First comb with a regular comb so that they do not get tangled under the fine teeth of the comb.
4. Pull out thin strands and work with a comb , moving it from the scalp to the ends of the hair.
5. After each combing, rinse the comb , spreading the teeth with your fingers, under running water or in a basin with a disinfectant solution.
6. At the end of the procedure, thoroughly wash the instrument and treat it with an antiseptic.
7. To achieve a lasting result and prevent relapse, combing is repeated every day for a week .

ATTENTION! It is best to carry out the procedure in the bathroom so that the combed out lice do not scatter throughout the house.

When using a mechanical processing method, it is important to see the parasites, so it is best to choose a room with good lighting, use a magnifying glass, and place the insects found on the hair on white paper or a sheet, previously spread on a hard surface. A person combing out an infected person must protect himself from lice attacks - hide his hair under a cap, wear a light robe.

Treating the comb afterwards is a necessary condition for complete removal of parasites. First, the instrument is cleaned of hair and insect residues, then washed thoroughly. You can use a solution of laundry soap with the addition of baking soda, ammonia, vinegar, or boil it.

IMPORTANT! Wooden and plastic utensils should not be boiled or treated with vinegar.

Where to buy and price

Most often, lice combs can be purchased at the pharmacy; sometimes the combs come complete with anti-lice products.

The cost of a comb may depend on the material of manufacture, operating principle, manufacturer, distributor’s pricing policy, as well as the region of sale. The most attractive price is from official representatives of a particular brand.

*Hereinafter prices are indicated in rubles

Exclusive product

And, of course, the device is produced using unique technologies. “Antiv” - a comb, the reviews of which are mostly positive - has special notches with cutting edges on the surface of the teeth. Thanks to them, the shell of nits is damaged during their removal, and they cease to pose a potential threat to health. If you examine all the teeth at once under a magnifying glass, the device will visually resemble a saw or grater. However, these are not all the secrets that the “miracle tool” has. The manufacturer, using high-precision computer technology, makes the tips of the teeth rounded, thereby minimizing the risk of microtrauma to the scalp during the procedure.

The steel that is used in the production process of the Active comb has an optimal ratio of rigidity/flexibility parameters, so that the hair is easy to comb and its structure is not damaged.

The best remedies and cures for lice complete with a comb

As already mentioned, some pediculicides are sold complete with lice combs. This is a reasonable proposal because... the use of chemicals does not eliminate the need for combing.

Here are the most popular drugs:

1. Pediculen Ultra – spray based on 6% anise oil to kill head and pubic lice and their eggs (nits). Developed by the Research Institute of Disinfectology of Rospotrebnadzor. The convenient spray form makes it easy to apply the product to your hair. Has a natural plant scent. Suitable for use in children over 5 years of age.

2. Nyuda – spray based on silicone oil – dimethicone. The active substance is safe for humans, but thanks to the polymer film, it blocks lice and nits from accessing oxygen, resulting in the insects dying from suffocation. The product is contraindicated for children under 1 year of age, patients with asthma, pregnant and lactating women.

3. Parasidosis+. Active components: coconut acid, cocamidopropyl - cause asphyxia in adults and dissolve the adhesive substance with which nits adhere to the hair of an infected person. The product has a pleasant aroma and emollients in its composition. The drug is approved during pregnancy and in the care of infants over 3 months.

4. Paranit – shampoo with mineral oil clearol, which causes suffocation in lice. Odorless, but contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 3 years of age. Individual intolerance to the components of the shampoo is possible.

Where to buy and price

Anti-pediculosis drugs are available in any pharmacy, including online pharmacy services, and even in the largest online stores, for example on Ozon.ru.

Evolution of lemuriforms[edit]

See also: Evolutionary history of lemurs.

The origin of the lemur toothcomb and the clade it characterizes has been the subject of considerable debate for over a century. In 1920, British paleoanthropologist Wilfrid Le Gros Clark proposed that the dental ridges found in shrews (which he believed were primates) were an early version of the dental structure found in lemuriforms. Because he considered the Miocene lorisoid fossils to be incompletely developed modern lemuriform dental honeycombs, he implied that lemurs and lorisoids evolved the trait independently. This view was later refuted, and it is now generally accepted that the relationship between lemurs and lorisoids is monophyletic. [47]

The original state of the anterior dentition on the mandible, based on Eocene primate fossils, suggests that the earliest primates did not have a differentiated dental ridge. [48] ​​Most strepserine fossils lacked the stereotypical lemur-like toothcomb. Collectively, early strepserine primates are known as adaptiforms. [49] Adapiforms are considered a paraphyletic group (containing many, but not all, descendants of the last common ancestor of group members) because lemuriforms are thought to have evolved from one of several groups of adaptiforms. [50] From an ecological perspective, it is proposed that the evolution of the dental ridge required the emergence of a folivorous diet (eating leaves) among the ancestors of an adapted population, since it would select for reduced incisors that would serve as exaptation (a trait with adaptive value for something other than what it was originally chosen for), which could then be used for personal or social care. [34] However, the inclusion of canines in the dental ridge must have required exceptional conditions, since in large lemuriforms the canine premolars were secondarily modified to compensate for the loss. [51]

A popular hypothesis for the origin of the lemuriform clade is that they evolved from European adaptiforms known as adapids. [52] In some adapids, the ridges of the lower incisors and canines coincide to form a functional trimming unit, and American paleontologist Philip D. Gingerich has suggested that this anticipated the development of lemur-like dental ridges. [53] However, no lemuriform dental ridges were found in the Eocene fossil record, [54] and European adapid mandibles of the time did not resemble the derived condition seen in lemuriforms. [55]

Lemuriforms are now thought to have evolved in Africa, and the earliest known strepsirrhine primates from Africa are the early Eocene azibiids [49], which likely evolved from the very early colonization of the Afro-Arab landmass in the Paleocene (66–55 MY). . [56] Stem lemuriforms, including Djebelemur

and
"Anchomomys" milleri
, were discovered in Africa and dated to between 50 and 48 million years ago and were very different from European adaptiforms.
[49] However, they do not have a tooth comb. [56] [57] These stem lemuriforms suggest an early common origin with Cercamoniaceae from outside Europe. [c] [60] Based on the large convex
lower teeth,
Plesiopithecus
, a fossil primate discovered in late Eocene sediments in the Fayum Basin in Egypt, is considered to be the closest relative of lemuriforms.
[61] [62] Together, Djebelemur
,
'Anchomomys' milleri
and
Plesiopithecus
are considered the sister taxa (closest relatives) of the lemuriform primates. [56]

Dating inconsistencies[edit]

Although stem lemuriforms,

such as
Jebelemur
may have been contemporaneous with related toothed primates some 50 to 48 million years ago, the sparse African fossil record suggests that the differentiation of dental ridges occurred some 52 to 40 million years ago, according to French paleoanthropologist Marc Gaudinot. [49] This would contradict molecular clock estimates made by evolutionary anthropologist Ann Yoder and others, which predict the divergence of lemurs and lorisoids dated to 61–90.8 million years ago. [63]

In 2001, the opening of Bugtilemur

, a primate fossil from Pakistan dating to the Oligocene and originally thought to be a cheirogaloid lemur, has further cast doubt on the theory of lemur origins; [64] however, it was later shown to be a species of primate rather than lemur. [65]

Saharagalago) were made in northern Egypt in the 2000s

) and stem or crown lorisoid (
Caranisia
) aged 37 and 40 million years, respectively.
[66] [67] Caranisia
is the oldest fossil primate to show a distinct lemur-like toothcomb.
[68] This, as well as studies of other African adaptiforms such as "Anchomomys" milleri
, suggests an older ghostly origin for lemuriforms in Africa. [56] [69]

Initial function of the lemur-shaped tooth ridge[edit]

The selective pressure that created the original lemuriform frequent crest has been the subject of considerable debate since the 1970s. Evidence can be seen as supporting the care function, food procurement, or both. [70] There was less controversy in the early 1900s. Grooming has been seen as a primary function since primates do not have the claws needed to adequately comb their fur, although prosimian primates (strepsirrhines and tarsiers) possess at least one grooming claw on each foot to compensate for this. [31] Grooming—in the form of grooming—is generally considered to be the primary function and original role of the lemur's toothcomb, and subsequent changes in the morphology of several lineages have altered its function and obscured its original function. [71]

The hypothesis that the toothcomb evolved for food acquisition was based on observations of recent lemuriform taxa, such as cheirogaloid lemurs (especially fork-tailed lemurs and hairy dwarf lemurs) and galagos, which also exhibit teeth scraping of plant exudates. like sifakas who practice bark caressing. Each was considered a "primitive" form among living streptococci, suggesting that the first lemuriforms exhibited similar behavior. [44] Additionally, strong selective pressure from the feeding environment located on the anterior dentition has been highlighted, based on the specialized upper anterior dentition observed in the recently extinct koala lemur ( Megaladapis

).
If feeding ecology could have such a profound influence on the shape of the anterior dentition, then convergent evolution could explain the similarities observed between the compressed lower incisors of the lemur-like toothcomb and the exudate feeding adaptations of members of the genus Callithrix
(a species of marmoset). [72]

The grooming hypothesis, in contrast, emphasizes that all lemurs use their dental ridges for grooming, and that long, thin teeth are poorly adapted to the mechanical stress of extrusion and feeding on exudate. [72] In addition, the interdental spaces observed in most lemuriforms facilitate combing of the coat and will also promote bacterial growth and tooth decay if used to feed on exudate. This is supported by a decrease in the interdental space in lemur-like animals that feed on exudate. [73] In addition, the canine embedded in the tooth ridge provides additional interdental space for combing the fur. [74] Even the behavior of juvenile lemuriforms suggests that dental grooming plays a more important role in the use of dental combs than foraging. [75]

How can I replace a comb for lice and nits?

Thrifty owners, as well as those who hope to never get head lice again, may find it too expensive to purchase an expensive specialized comb. However, the news for them is disappointing - ordinary combs, even with very fine teeth, cannot get rid of lice as effectively as a comb will. The most that such tools are capable of is to comb out only adult individuals, the size of which reaches 4 mm. Nits that look like dandruff will remain on the surface of the hair, which will inevitably lead to a relapse of the disease.

However, today manufacturers offer a number of alternative ways to combat lice and prevent their occurrence.

What is the price?

It should be noted that the cost of the “miracle comb” varies from 90 to 1650 rubles. If you purchase “Antiv”, for example, in the Russian capital, the price will be close to the maximum level, but if in a provincial city, then the scallop will be relatively inexpensive. In Moscow, finding and purchasing a device will not be particularly difficult.

A very pressing question is where to buy the Antiv comb. The photo and price are also of interest to the consumer. But we have already decided on them. Argentine comb can be purchased at a regular pharmacy. If this product is not available, you can order Antiv through an online store that sells pharmaceutical products. All you have to do is receive the goods by courier or by mail.

Lice comb and its types

Like anti-pediculosis combs, the teeth of specialized combs for lice and nits are located at a very small, almost microscopic, distance from each other . The main difference between a comb and a comb in this case is the presence of a longer handle. This is very convenient and hygienic, because the person combing during the procedure will not touch the hair and skin of the infected person.

A well-known manufacturer of medical devices, Visiomed, produces several models of such lice combs: the simpler and cheaper “ZAP X 200” and the improved “Zapx VM – X 200” with a curved head. Most notable is the TriXpert comb, which has three rows of closely spaced teeth. A magnifying glass is built into the base of the comb.

You can purchase tools in online stores that distribute products of foreign brands. The issue price is from 1300 to 2500 rubles.

Electric lice comb

The same brand produces the electronic comb “Zapx VM – X 100” . Putting aside modesty, the Visiomed laboratory called its gadget “a deadly weapon for lice.” The principle of operation is the same as that of electric combs - a discharge of electric current affects the insect and kills it without harming the infected person.

The accessory is distributed through purchasing groups, its price starts from 1,670 rubles. .

Showliss Pro comb-vacuum cleaner for removing lice and nits . The comb teeth are made of stainless steel and have rounded ends. The row of teeth is adjustable in two positions. During combing, lice and their eggs are drawn into the replaceable filter. The device operates on alternating current.

Unfortunately, the gadget is available for purchase only on Ukrainian and Kazakh websites. Price – from 700 rub.

How to choose a quality product?

When choosing a comb for combing out lice, you should give preference to more expensive options. Therefore, it is best to buy an electric or metal comb. In the first case, the use of such a device allows you to quickly remove lice and nits from the hair, since this is facilitated not only by the frequency of the teeth, but also by a weak electrical discharge, which has a detrimental effect on parasites.

A metal comb for head lice is also no less effective. The material from which it is made is durable, so this comb can be used without fear that it will break or the gaps between its teeth will widen over time.

Wooden and plastic combs, as mentioned above, do not have such advantages. This means that when buying them, the money will be wasted.

Hair ties against lice

A well-known hair accessory can also have an anti-pediculosis effect. To do this, manufacturers impregnate the gum with essential oils that repel parasites: rosemary, peppermint, tea tree oil, lavender, fennel and many others.

The aromatic mixture cannot kill existing lice, but such a bouquet is quite capable of scaring away insects that are just planning to settle in the hair.

ATTENTION! The shelf life of accessories is limited and is approximately 2-3 months.

These rubber bands are used to prevent head lice in children who spend a lot of time in large groups: in kindergarten, at school, sports camps, etc. Not recommended until the age of 3 years, in order to avoid an allergic reaction.

Models available:

• Orgakiddy elastic bands. There are 4 pieces in a package. Use only on dry hair; wearing during night sleep is contraindicated. Price – from 1200 rub.

  
  

  Read also:  Anti-pediculosis styling: equipment. Pediculosis: symptoms and prevention - Useful information for everyone - tips and recommendations from belmathematics.by
• Elastic band from Gilbert Parasidose. Package contains 1 piece. Price – from 930 rub.

  
  

Alternative methods for controlling lice and nits

In foreign countries, they are beginning to use a new method of combating pediculosis - heat treatment. Insects are destroyed with a powerful air jet from a special hair dryer, the temperature of which reaches 60°C. The method can be quite simple and effective, but has not yet received much widespread use.

A more affordable, but bold and extravagant way to solve the problem of head lice is to shave off the hair completely. A louse is an exclusively parasitic insect, unable to live without a host. If you deprive it of the opportunity to gain a foothold on the human body, it dies within 4 days.

Thus, getting rid of lice without resorting to a special comb is practically impossible.

The tool is effective both for adults and for their nits; it has no contraindications. However, in the treatment of pediculosis, it is better to use a complex of means, and most importantly, have a fair amount of patience, because The parasite is tenacious and cannot be eliminated with just one procedure.

• about the author
• VK profile