How to Treat Head Lice on Children

Parents will encounter, at least once, a child that has gotten head lice. Children are more likely to spread the infestation because they play in close proximity and often time bump heads. The insects are spread through contact with the hair and head. Children that share hats and other clothes worn on the head or around the head can also transfer the lice from one another. Once a child is discovered to have an infestation it is important to not only begin treatment but also notify the school so other children can be inspected.

Treating children with products that contain toxic chemicals is not a good idea. If these chemicals get into the eyes they can burn. The bites left by the head lice will also itch and children will want to scratch their heads. Scratching the wounds will only irritate the scalp further and should be avoided. If necessary place gloves on the children’s hands, especially while sleeping.

An easy home treatment for head lice that can be used on children is lemon juice and butter. Take one stick of softened butter and mix in a half cup of lemon juice. The lemon juice can be fresh squeezed or out of a bottle but should be 100% pure lemon juice. Both of these items are available at any grocery store or supermarket. Once the lemon juice is mixed well with the butter, simply apply to the hair. Make sure to rub the mixture down into the scalp. Both the hair and scalp should be well coated. Put on a shower cap and pull all loose hair up and under the shower cap. Leave the lemon juice and butter mixture on the head for a few hours.

Before using shampoo to remove the mixture from the hair, use a close teethed comb and brush the hair to remove nits from the scalp. Wipe the comb off after each brush stroke to remove the nits so they are not re-deposited back into the scalp. Once the hair has been thoroughly brushed out, wash the hair with shampoo and rinse. Repeat daily until the head lice is gone.