Lice are wingless insects found on the host’s body like scalps where they can be easily disguised. They are scavengers and feed on the host’s skin, secretions and blood. Lice infestations are common in young children and very contagious. They can spread through proximity and contact.
The symptoms of a lice infestation include, itching on the scalp, red bumps on the scalp and the neck, formation of nits (lice eggs) and seeing live lice moving around on the head. Curing a lice infestation is time consuming as it involves removing the lice and the nits. Some of these home remedies can help treat lice.
Lice Combs
The use of lice combs seems to be the safest bet in treating lice. Lice combs are specially designed to remove stubborn lice. This is however a time consuming remedy as it requires days of effort to completely get rid of the lice and the nits. Medicated shampoos like ‘Nix’ can effectively cure lice but you may still have to use a lice comb to remove all the eggs.
Olive Oil And Vaseline For Lice
Certain oils like olive oil and Vaseline are seen to effectively eradicate lice. Apply some on your child’s head and leave it on overnight. You may have to repeat the treatment in order to get rid of the lice completely. Certain oils like tea tree oil vouch to cure lice effectively but the efficacy of this oil needs to be ascertained. One should apply this oil only after consulting a physician.
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol prescriptions like Ulesifa can completely eradicate lice by blocking their respiratory systems and suffocating them. The lotion needs to be applied once every seven days and repeated if necessary.
Also Read:
Head Lice Treatment
How To Treat Head Lice On Children
How To Get Rid Of Head Lice
Treating Head Lice With Olive Oil
A Natural Treatment For Head Lice
Mayonnaise
Yucky as it sounds, a lot of people who have tried this method swear by it. Put a few dollops of mayonnaise all over the hair and the affected areas. Wear a hair net or a shower cap and leave it on overnight. It can be messy, greasy and foul smelling but the results are instantaneous. It kills all live lice and the nits easily come off because of the grease. The only thing is that you may have shampoo your hair at least 2-3 times to get rid of the grease and the smell.
Baby Oil
Young infants who catch lice are best treated with baby oil. Since their hair is fine, the lice easily come off with the oil and the lice comb does the rest.
Lice Proof Your Bedding
Since we sleep on our mattresses and pillows, it is a good idea to sun them to get rid of lice. Pillow covers and blankets can be given a hot water rinse in the washing machine to kill the lice. This is the best way of preventing a relapse.
Follow Good Hygiene
Don’t share combs, hair brushes, clips and rubber bands with others. Avoid head to head contact. Keep your hair short as lice find it difficult to latch on to short hair. Oil your hair regularly. Clean and dry hair tends to catch lice faster. Check your child’s scalp religiously for even mild infestation. If one person gets infected, make sure that others in the house are also subsequently treated to prevent the lice from spreading. A little bit of vinegar mixed with lice shampoo can effectively deal with lice.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.