What should be done with items such as hats and combs when dealing with head lice?

When dealing with head lice, it’s essential to understand that lice can survive for a short time off the human scalp, and they can be present on personal items like hats, combs, and brushes. The correct course of action is to clean these items thoroughly using hot, soapy water. This process helps to kill any lice or nits (lice eggs) that may be present.

Using hot, soapy water is effective because the temperature of the water is critical in destroying the lice, while soap helps to break down oils and debris that may be adhering to the items. It's also advisable to avoid using cold water, as it is not effective in eliminating lice. Simply rinsing items in cold water does not offer sufficient treatment to ensure that any lice or eggs are removed.

Moreover, permanently separating items is not necessary and may cause unnecessary waste. While throwing away items can be a method if they are heavily infested and cannot be cleaned effectively, it is generally more practical and environmentally friendly to clean them. Therefore, ensuring that hats and combs are appropriately cleaned with hot, soapy water is the most effective and responsible approach to managing head lice.