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 are natural parasites that live on the scalp of humans as well as on chimpanzees. These flightless, blood-sucking parasites are contagious and can easily infect others through direct contact if the person uses or wears clothing worn by someone who is infected. They are also extremely difficult to get rid of because the eggs (or nits) they lay are glued to the base of hair follicles.

Because of the choice of area that lice prefer to inhabit, treatment for lice has always been a constant challenge.  In fact, several years ago, many lice remedies were created but most of them have been found to cause more damage than the lice themselves. Nowadays, people are resorting to natural head lice treatments to address head lice infestation. Here are some of the reasons why.

Health reasons

Many of the lice treatment shampoos include pesticides in their ingredients to kill lice. Although they may be effective, some of these chemicals have been associated with a significant number of cancer cases, blood and liver disorders and even nervous and immune system conditions. This may be because of two things. First, the scalp is capable of high rates of absorption, which means that chemicals applied on the hair and scalp have a greater chance of being absorbed than chemicals applied on any other part of the skin. Second, pesticides often make use of toxins to immobilize and get rid of pests. If the same ingredients are used in lice treatment shampoos, then the same toxins get absorbed by the body.

In contrast, natural head lice treatments do not make use of dangerous chemicals, so they do not involve the same health risks as lice treatments shampoos. However, caution is still advised in taking or using natural head lice treatments. Some natural lice remedies can still be allergenic to some people.

In the case of head lice treatment, more expensive does not always mean more effective. Lice treatment shampoos and medications can cost you hundreds of dollars, especially if infestation keeps reoccurring. On the other hand, most natural head lice treatments will cost only a small fraction of what you would normally spend on shampoos. Some could even be free. That’s because most of the materials you would use in natural treatment for lice can be found at home or are considered regular household ingredients and materials. Not only are they significantly less expensive, they are easier to procure as well.

Effectiveness

This can be measured in several ways. First, if success means eliminating the adults, then most natural head lice treatments work as well as lice treatment shampoos. However, if the measure of success is the elimination of the nits or eggs, then natural head lice treatments might be more effective.

Since medication and shampoos work by paralyzing the lice, they don’t have that much effect on the nits which are already immobile in the first place. The natural head lice treatments however, rely on more mechanical approaches like sifting/sieving and smothering. These methods directly affect both the adults and the eggs, thereby making them more effective.

General Head Lice Prevention Methods

Lice infestation is a common problem among school-aged children. You will know when your kids are suffering from it when you see them constantly scratching their heads or when you notice scalp rashes. Parents often take action because head lice cause disruptions in the sleep patterns of children as well as their other activities. Because this is highly contagious, you have to take appropriate actions once you see the first symptoms appear. Here is the proven head lice prevention that you can do at home.

Avoid Sharing your Personal Belongings

A head lice prevention technique that you have to observe is to avoid sharing your personal belongings with people infested with the parasite. Hairbrushes and accessories like caps and towels should be your own personal property. Each of your family members must have their own piece. If your children have the problem, tell them to separate their belongings from yours. If possible, separate your infected childrens bedding from yours too. If your children share the same room, treat them all for the infection.

Watch out for Crowded Areas

Crowded areas like parks and schools are risky sites for acquiring the infection. For head lice prevention, ask the school nurse about students that have the infection. Even a single child can cause a widespread problem. If you see one child with it, report it immediately to authorities. Lice treatment lies on prompt diagnosis.

Wash Clothing and Bedding Well

Head lice prevention can be done by washing your children’s clothing and beddings in hot water. The increased temperatures kill lice instantly. Aside from the water, the detergent affects them. Once you see them scratching their head, change their beddings and soak them in hot water. Include all clothes worn in the past weeks to accomplish complete lice removal. You can also use a dryer to increase lice removal.

Clean the House Well

Cleaning your house, like vacuuming and the use of bactericidal agents, helps achieve your goal in head lice prevention. Pay particular attention to resting places like the couch, carpets and chairs. Vacuum these parts well and wash them if possible.

Improve your Personal Hygiene

Another head lice prevention method is through improving your personal hygiene. Wash your hair with shampoo and massage the scalp slightly.  Dry it well and comb your hair with a regular brush. After drying, use a nit comb to catch possible lice. Place the nits in a solution of hot soapy water or vinegar to kill lice.

Use Home Remedies

If bug infestations have occurred, start the treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading further. Use chemically formulated shampoos specific for lice remedies.

Check the Whole Family

Since the bugs are familial problems, check each person in the house for possible infestation. Start with the children, their roommates then the adults.

Lice do not choose their victim. Although it is more common among children, adults are not exempt from them. Head lice prevention is the key to reducing the risk of infection. By following these easy steps, you can free your kids and even yourself from the irritating bugs.

Parents go crazy about head lice prevention. Because of the effects to their child’s daily activities and the possible outbreak in the family, they have to find effective lice remedies for even the earliest signs of infestation. The presence of the bugs in many cultures and its prevalence in history brought about many myths concerning lice treatment. If you are serious in controlling the problem, you have to distinguish the facts from the myths on lice removal. Only when you have the right knowledge can you take correct actions on head lice prevention. Here are the common myths associated with it.

Only Children Should Follow Precautions to Avoid Them

If you want to achieve successful head lice prevention, you have to include all family members in your treatment. It is not true that only children get the infection. Remember that lice do not choose their victim. Even adults can suffer from the infestation. Although children are the most common victims, adults can acquire the infection if they live with kids that are infected with it. To achieve better head lice prevention, make it a habit to inspect the heads of all members of the family regularly.

The Lice Comes from the Sun

One head lice prevention method that old folks give is to stay away from the sun. They say that lice come from the sun and it will transfer to your hair when you expose yourself too long under its heat. The truth about this suggestion of old folks is more on the effect of heat in the scalp. Exposure under the sun is more conducive for lice to thrive in. The sweat and accumulation of dirt becomes a fertile environment for the bugs. Therefore, as you increase your outside activities, your chances of attracting the lice are higher.

Nit Combs are Only for the Infested Individuals

Nit combs are not only for lice treatment. They are effective ways for head lice prevention. After taking a bath, dry your hair and use an ordinary comb to remove the tangles in the hair. Once the hair is free from tangles, use a nit comb to check if you have head lice. Doing it once a week is an effective way to diagnose early if you have had an infection with the bug.

Throw Away Everything in Contact with the Infected Child

If people tell you to throw away everything an infected child had used, do not follow their suggestion. It will only be a total waste of resources. Head lice prevention methods include the treatment of their personal belongings with hot soapy water.

Hair Treatment is the Only Prevention Possible

You can practice other head lice prevention aside from focusing on the hair. Some individuals say that you have to shave your hair to prevent the bug from infecting you. However, this is not the only way for lice removal. You can practice personal hygiene to kill lice without needing a haircut.

Head lice prevention has myths attached to it. If you do further reading before following hearsays, it will lead you to

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