Which action is recommended for pediculosis capitis management?

• A. Soak child's comb and hair accessories in boiling water for 10 minutes
• B. Do not treat siblings
• C. Do not use a nit comb after treatment
• D. Vacuum furniture and carpets is unnecessary

Answer: (A)

Managing pediculosis capitis centers on eliminating lice on the person and preventing reinfestation by cleaning items that touch the hair. Soaking a child’s comb and any hair accessories in boiling water for 10 minutes directly targets objects that can harbor lice or eggs after treatment, reducing the chance of picking up lice again when the child uses them. It’s a practical, effective step because nits and live lice can cling to these items and otherwise contribute to ongoing spread. Close contacts, such as siblings, should be considered for evaluation and treatment if infestation is present, since lice spread easily among household members. After treatment, using a nit comb to remove remaining nits helps ensure that hatched lice don’t reestablish an infestation. Cleaning the environment by vacuuming furniture and carpets is not a required core step, since lice survive mainly on the human scalp and the environment plays a minimal role; focus is placed on the person and items that contact the hair.