What instruction should be included for parents of a child with pediculosis capitis?

Soaking brushes in boiling water for 10 minutes is an effective instruction to provide to parents of a child with pediculosis capitis (head lice). This practice is important because it eliminates any lice or nits (eggs) that may be present on hair care items, thus preventing reinfestation. Lice can survive off the scalp for a short period, and proper sanitation of personal items is crucial in controlling and eradicating an infestation.

It's also significant to consider the context of head lice transmission. While limiting a child's interactions with others may seem like a proactive approach, head lice spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact, and such limitations may not be necessary once appropriate treatment has begun. Similarly, applying a thick layer of conditioner can sometimes be suggested as part of a method for removing lice, but it is not a definitive treatment on its own and may not contribute significantly to resolving the infestation. Providing new pillowcases nightly might help with hygiene, but it does not directly address the elimination of lice from the child or their belongings.

Overall, the emphasis on sanitizing brushes and combs aids in controlling and preventing the continued spread of lice, making the instruction to soak brushes in boiling water a critical guideline for parents managing pediculosis cap