Head lice, scientifically named pediculus capitis, are tiny parasites that infest the scalp and feed on human blood. In most cases they infest children and usually spread directly from one person to another. They are not an indicator of poor hygiene and do not cause any infectious diseases. Although there is little clinical evidence to prove their effectiveness, natural remedies can kill lice without using harsh chemicals.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating Head Lice with Home Remedies
Step 1. Comb the wet hair
Take a fine-toothed comb specifically for lice and nits and run it along the length of wet, lubricated hair. If you follow this procedure for several weeks, you should be able to get rid of the parasites and part of the eggs, or nits.
- Buy a specific comb for pediculosis in pharmacies, parapharmacies or in well-stocked shops.
- Wet your hair with water and use a product, such as a conditioner, to lubricate it a little.
- Run the comb along the length of the hair at least twice during the treatment.
- Repeat the procedure every three to four days for several weeks and continue for at least two more after you notice the lice disappear from your scalp.
- Point a flashlight directly on your head to illuminate the areas you are combing.
- A magnifying glass allows you to see even better.
- Comb all the hair by dividing it into strands of about 2, 5 x 1, 3 cm, starting from the scalp and working down towards the tips. Make sure you clean the comb with a tissue and some warm water each time you have treated a strand.
- Secure the strands you have already combed over the top of your head using a bobby pin, so you can be sure you don't miss any areas.
Step 2. Apply essential oils
There is some evidence that natural plant oils are capable of killing lice, nits and relieving itching. Be aware that these products can work, but although the Ministry of Health has strict regulations regarding their safety, efficacy and production standards, counterfeit essential oils are a reality and you could run into unpleasant inconveniences and allergic reactions if you don't. rely on a reputable dealer or if you use them improperly.
- Try essential oils such as tea tree, anise, and ylang-ylang against lice and nits. You can also look for those plant products that contain nerolidol, an active ingredient found in many flowers and plants. Among the oils that include it are mentioned that of neroli, ginger, jasmine and lavender.
- Mix about 50 drops of the essential oil of your choice with 60ml of carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and wrap it in a plastic shower cap. Enclose everything in a towel.
- Let the pack sit for an hour and then wash your hair carefully to get rid of dead parasites and their eggs.
- You can buy essential oils in most health food stores, some pharmacies and drugstores.
Step 3. Smother the parasites overnight
There are many household products that are capable of depriving lice and nits of oxygen. Apply a layer of one of the substances listed below to your hair and wait a whole night. By doing this, you can treat your head lice.
- Spread mayonnaise, olive oil, butter, or petroleum jelly on the head.
- Put on a plastic shower cap and let it sit overnight.
- The next morning you can remove the "asphyxiating" product with baby oil, then wash your hair with shampoo and finally rinse thoroughly. Remember that due to the oily nature of the products, it will take some effort and some time to get them out of your hair.
- Repeat the process several consecutive nights.
Step 4. Rinse your hair with water and vinegar
After successfully killing the lice and nits, make a mixture of vinegar and water in equal parts. It is able both to dissolve the bodies of dead parasites, and to detach stubborn nits and lice from the hair.
- Rub the mixture into your hair vigorously and rinse well.
- Sometimes a mixture of vinegar and olive oil is effective.
Step 5. Avoid flammable products
It doesn't matter which remedy you decide to use, but never apply a flammable product to your hair. Kerosene and gasoline can cause serious health problems, increasing the risk of hair catching fire if exposed to open flames.
Part 2 of 2: Managing Lice
Step 1. Clean up household items
Although head lice do not survive for more than a day outside the scalp, you must wash all items in the house as a precaution. Wash and clean anything the infested person has used in the past two days.
- Wash sheets, stuffed animals and clothes in very hot soapy water. The water should be at least 55 ° C. Put the laundry in the dryer on a high temperature cycle.
- Wash all hair care items like combs, brushes, and accessories. Always use very hot soapy water. Immerse these elements in water of at least 55 ° C for 5-10 minutes.
- Seal any items you can't wash or clean inside a plastic bag and wait two weeks for the lice and nits to die of asphyxiation.
- Vacuum floors and upholstery.
Step 2. Don't let your guard down
After each treatment and for the next two weeks, carefully inspect the head for nits and lice. This way you avoid spreading the parasites to other people and make sure there are no other insects to treat.
- Nits hatch 7-11 days after laying, so check your scalp again two weeks after treatment.
- A magnifying glass and flashlight come in handy for checking the head and household items.
- Check your hair daily until the pediculosis is eradicated and then every week to avoid new infestations.
Step 3. Contact the source of the infestation
Schools and kindergartens are the environments in which pediculosis spreads the most, although they are not the only ones. Call the facility you believe is the source of the problem to alert staff that other people may be haunted.
Communicate that you are treating your lice
Step 4. Separate your personal items
In general, it is always a good idea to keep objects divided as much as possible. This minimizes the risk of lice and nits spreading and prevents relapses.
Store coats, hats, and scarves on separate coat hooks as much as possible
Step 5. Use only your personal items
It is very important not to share personal belongings, to avoid the transmission of parasites and their eggs.
- Use only your comb, your brush, your hat and your scarf.
- Make sure that the protective sports equipment is for your exclusive use (such as a helmet).
Step 6. Go to the doctor
If your natural treatments don't kill lice, make an appointment with your doctor. He may prescribe medications for the infestation and any associated skin infections, or he may realize that your "pediculosis" is actually another condition, such as dandruff.
- The persistent itching caused by lice leads to scratching, with the risk of breaking the skin and developing infections.
- In some cases, diseases or situations can be confused with pediculosis, for example: dandruff, residues of hair products, lumps of skin tissue attached to the hair shaft, scabs or other small insects other than lice.
Advice
If you have school-aged children, check their heads every month or two for infestations
Warnings
- Be careful when using plastic bags around small children, as there is a risk of suffocation.
- Head lice almost never spread through inanimate objects, as they need blood to survive.
