Are pet lice combs made of irritating metal or plastic?

Common lice comb material types
Currently, pet lice combs on the market are mainly made of metal and plastic materials, and some products also use composite structures or additional coatings. Common materials include:
*Stainless steel teeth: high strength, corrosion resistance, suitable for catching smaller parasites.
*Nickel-plated or chrome-plated steel: used to enhance the hardness and surface smoothness of the teeth.
*ABS or PP plastic handle: widely used in the handle part of the comb, with light and non-slip characteristics.
*TPR soft rubber wrapping: used to improve the feel and comfort.
Combs of different brands and prices may use different grades of materials, which directly affects the comfort and safety of use.

Potential problems with irritating metals
Some cheap combs may use alloy materials with high metal impurities such as nickel, lead, and chromium to save costs. These metals may cause the following problems when they come into contact with the skin:
*Metal allergic reactions: Some pets are sensitive to nickel or other heavy metal components, and may experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, or dandruff.
* Improper surface treatment: If the teeth of the comb are not ground or polished, it is easy to scratch the pet's skin during combing, causing inflammation or secondary infection.
* Rust causes pollution: Low-grade steel is prone to rust in a humid environment, and rust particles entering the hair or skin may cause secondary pollution.
When purchasing, you should pay attention to whether the product is clearly marked with information such as "nickel-free" and "304 stainless steel". These labels usually mean higher stability and lower risk of irritation.

Is there an irritation risk with plastic materials
The handle of the comb is usually made of plastic, but if the plastic is of poor quality or contains recycled materials, plasticizers and other ingredients, it may also cause certain irritation:
* Contains BPA or phthalate plasticizers: Although these substances are mainly concerned with human health, they may also cause adverse effects through pet licking or contact.
* Odor residue problem: Some plastic handles may have residual chemical odors during processing, and long-term use may affect the pet's sense of smell or behavioral response.
* Rough or cracked surface: If the plastic processing quality is not up to standard, the handle surface is easy to deform or crack, which is easy to pinch the hair and even scratch the hands or pet's skin.
It is recommended to choose products marked with food-grade or environmentally friendly materials. The plastic part should be smooth, odorless, and without sharp edges.

How to judge whether the material is safe
When consumers buy lice combs, they can preliminarily judge whether the material is safe in the following ways:
* Check the product manual or packaging label: whether it is marked with "stainless steel 304", "environmentally friendly ABS" or "nickel-free and lead-free".
* Observe the appearance and feel: high-quality comb teeth are usually smooth and burr-free, and the handle structure is tight, not loose, and does not fade.
* Smell: high-quality plastic has no obvious pungent smell, and the metal part has no greasy or corrosive feeling.
* Reference evaluation and brand background: It is usually more reliable to choose a reputable brand or a certified product.

Special suggestions for sensitive pets
For pets with sensitive skin, allergic reactions, or those who are treating skin diseases, it is recommended to use the following types of lice combs:
* Tooth head rubber coating design: The flexible material is coated on the top of the metal comb teeth to reduce the irritation caused by direct contact.
* Antibacterial coating material: Some products add antibacterial silver ions or nano coatings on the metal surface to help inhibit bacterial growth.
* Electric silent comb: removes parasites through low-frequency vibration and electrostatic adsorption, reducing the friction of pulling hair.
Although these designs are slightly more expensive, they are more practical for protecting pet skin.