If your child has lice, there is no need to call pest control. You can use different prescription treatments, over-the-counter products, and home remedies as a lice treatment. Hence, Sanofi Pasteur’s 2014 survey shows that using prescription treatment is better than over-the-counter treatments. Suppose you are afraid of the harmful effects of these products. Therefore, a home remedy is the best head lice treatment recommended for you.
Home Remedies for Lice Removal
1. Tea Tree Oil
For centuries, tea tree oil is the treatment for different conditions. It is useful in killing lice. A study from the Parasitology Research suggests that it can kill lice in the nymph and adult life stages. Also, it is one of the best ways to get rid of lice. In a study conducted. You may use three different products as a treatment for children who have lice. Including the one contained with tea tree oil and lavender oil. After the last day of their treatment, most of the children applied with it were free from lice.
Furthermore, there is no amount of dosage required for using tea tree oil. It also has little side effects. However, some people have allergic reactions when using tea tree oil. It is because it contains some compounds that may irritate your skin. Therefore, if you or your children have no allergies to tea tree oil, it is still a safe lice removal remedy.
2. Olive Oil
Mix 2 ounces of olive oil to 15 to 20 drops of essential oil. In applying this mixture to the scalp, use cotton balls. Leave it on your scalp and hair overnight. Besides, you can use a shower cap to protect your hair and bed while sleeping. After 12 hours, comb your hair. In lice removal, it is very important to comb your hair. Lastly, after combing your hair, you can now shampoo and rinse your hair. Repeat this process to get the best results.
However, if you think that you cannot apply the mixture using cotton balls, there is another way of doing it. Mix the 15 to 20 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of rubbing alcohol. It is good to put the mixture in an empty spray bottle. Wet your hair using the spray bottle and let it soak in your hair for 12 hours. Once the lice are gone, you can still use the spray bottle as a preventive treatment.
3. Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
It kills lice by suffocating it and its eggs. However, it requires a thick layer of petroleum jelly into the scalp and covers it with a shower cap. Leave it on overnight. It may be a bit hard to remove petroleum jelly from your hair. As a result, it could get messy and greasy. But you can use baby oil or mineral oil to remove it, and the lice will also be along with it. Repeat this process several nights in a row. Hence, it is good to thoroughly shampoo to get rid of all the petroleum jelly out of your hair.
4. LouseBuster
If you are dealing with lice that are resistant to insecticides, it may be an option for you. Most methods for lice removal include the use of comb and lice treatment products. Though it may be time-consuming and requires a lot of work. The LouseBuster is a nonchemical treatment that is safe, easy, and effective. It can dry out lice and nits and uses warm air. Also, it gives off two to three times more air than the standard blower dryer. It blows out hair about 138 degrees Fahrenheit (58.89 degrees Celsius). After the 15-minute treatment, you can comb out your hair. You will be able to get dead lice and nits. If you are afraid to use chemicals in your head or have no time, it is the best way to get rid of lice.
5. Cetaphil Cleanser
Another product that is used in suffocating lice is the Cetaphil Cleanser. It is very effective and safe to use without any toxic chemicals that come with it. You can start by coating the scalp and dry hair with a thick layer of Cetaphil. Once the hair is wet with it, wait for two minutes to allow the products to get into the hair. Then, you can comb your hair using a fine-toothed comb. After combing, you can now blow dry your hair. It may take longer than usual. It is because of the Cetaphil in your hair. Leave the product in for at least 8 hours or overnight. In the morning, you can wash your hair as usual. Repeat the process 7 to 14 days later.
You can also use prescription treatments and over-the-counter treatments. Here are the five best head lice treatments using these products.
1. Piperonyl butoxide with Pyrethrin
It is an insecticide for the skin. Your scalp is also a part of your skin. You can use this treatment in kids two years old and older. You must not use this treatment if you are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums.
2. Permethrin lotion 1%
It has the approval of the FDA. It is to be effective and safe. Use it as instructed. It can kill live lice but not its hatched eggs. It is okay to use on children two months of age or older.
3. Dimethicone
It is non-pesticide. Silicon is its main ingredient. It works by coating life and reduces the lice’s ability to manage water. It is more effective than other over-the-counter lice products that contain pesticides.
4. Benzyl alcohol
This treatment is fine to use with children of 6 months and older. It is also safe to use with breastfeeding mothers or pregnant women. Comb your hair first and put the product into the dry hair. Leave the product on for 10 minutes, then rinse. You need to repeat this treatment within a week.
5. Ivermectin
With this product, you can get rid of the lice and its hatched eggs within one use. You do not have to comb your hair with this treatment. It is safe to use with children six months and older.
It is very important to follow the instructions indicated. When in doubt, it is best to contact a health professional. Be aware of the side effects of the products that you are going to use. Stop using the products that caused you to irritate your scalp or the other parts of your body. Seek medical attention if needed.
