Treating head lice can be done at home.  There are of course the standard medicated shampoos which can be acquired through a prescription.  For those who prefer more natural remedies, there are proven ways to rid yourself or loved ones of head lice.

Check hair and scalp thoroughly.  If there are no live lice, check for nits or eggs.  If you see nits but no lice, simply shampoo the hair.  Comb through using a nit comb to remove the eggs from the hair shaft.  Again it is important to be thorough.  Supposing there are live lice and eggs, you can use tweezers to remove the lice and the previously stated procedure to remove the nits.  If after several days there are no signs of live lice or nits, you are in the clear.  Once this is done and nits still appear, or   live lice are seen, treatment is necessary as there is an infestation.

Anti-lice shampoos will kill live lice, but they do not kill the eggs.  If you opt for this type of remedy, remember to thoroughly check hair and scalp for nits using a comb and tweezers.  One example of a non-pesticide prescription treatment is called Ulesfia (Benzyl alcohol lotion %5).  It is safe to use on children over 6 months old.  To use, apply to the head until the hair is saturated.  Wash out after ten minutes.  Reapply and repeat this procedure again in 7 days.

Organic shampoos that treat head lice are also available.  As in the case of other shampoos, these also only treat live lice and do not kill the nits.

Home remedies for the treatment of head lice vary.  One common way is to smother the lice using a variety of ingredients.  This can include one or more of the following; olive oil, mayonnaise, or Vaseline.  Typically the hair is coated with one of the mentioned items and covered with a shower cap overnight.  The next day shampoo the hair and again comb through and pull out any dead lice and nits.

Certain essential oils such as tea tree oil (should not be used on young children) and lavender oil are said to be effective when treating head lice. Another benefit is that they can also help prevent lice as of yet, there are no chemical products that can claim the same thing. However, these work best in conjunction with another substance such as olive oil.  Thorough combing of the hair is always recommended as well.

Another type of home remedy to treat head lice, is the use of an acid.  Acids dissolve the shells of lice eggs and the exoskeletons of the lice themselves.  Typically used acids are vinegar and lemon juice.  One of these substances can be combined with essential oils or olive oil.

There are plenty of home remedies to choose from in the treatment of head lice.  Finding one that works will help keep you and your family healthy and lice free.

Head lice is a common problem that can be treated naturally.  Head lice are tiny, wingless parasites that live among human hair.  They are particularly common among children and are very contagious. While not dangerous, they are a nuisance.  Before starting a natural head lice treatment on a child, or and adult for head lice be sure of the diagnosis.  Here are a few symptoms to review:

ñ  an itchy scalp

ñ  red bumps on the scalp and neck

ñ  nits- or lice eggs which are white, small oval specks attached to the hair

ñ  live lice moving around on the head

Once you are sure, you can begin treatment.  One way to naturally remove the lice is with a lice comb or tweezers.  The lice comb will help ensure that you leave no nits in the hair.  Be sure to thoroughly comb and tweeze out the lice for several days.  Use the tweezers to pick out the live lice.

Another natural lice treatment option is to use olive oil (mayonnaise has been used as a substitute).  Some prefer to extra virgin organic coconut oil. The oil works by suffocating the lice.  Either one you choose, the method is the same.  For the olive oil, apply liberally to the scalp and massage it in.  Next apply to the rest of the hair.  If you are using coconut oil, first melt the oil and then let it cool a bit so that it won’t burn.  Once the head and hair are well coated, wrap the head in a shower cap or some plastic wrap.  It is advantageous to do this at night to allow enough time for the treatment to work.  Be careful of letting the oil leak onto the pillow as it can be messy.  You may find it helpful to lay out a few towels.  In the morning, remove the cap and comb though the hair.  Pull out any dead lice or nits that you see.  Using a lice comb will help.  Once this is done, wash out the hair.  Be sure to check the scalp over the next couple days to be sure all the lice are gone.

There are other natural treatments for head lice.  For example, vinegar is said to help loosen the nits from the hair shaft.  If using this method, repeat for a couple weeks until all the lice are gone.  Tea tree oil is another product that has proven effective against lice, but be careful when using it on young children.

Once the head lice has been treated, be sure to wash all towels, bedding and clothing to prevent further outbreaks.

The war on head lice can be won in a natural way by being diligent and thorough.