One in every 10 children acquires lice at some point. Americans spend $1 billion a year to remove these pesky parasites that thrive on human heads. Most infections occur in children between the ages of 3 and 10 who attend public school.
Medication
Medicated permethrin shampoos like Rid or Nix are effective in removing head lice in most situations. Most over-the-counter treatments generally contain approximately 1 percent insecticide. This reduces the health risks of chemical exposure while effectively eliminating the infestation. In some cases, repeated washes may be necessary if lice are resistant to the medication. Multiple containers may be required per wash for people with long hair.
In some circumstances, the 1 percent concentration may not be sufficient. Doctors can prescribe a medication with a concentration of approximately 5 percent.
Medicated treatments should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children ages 2 and younger and anyone who is allergic to insecticides should also avoid these treatments.
Home Remedies
Although scientifically unproven, there are many household treatments that can be on lice. Some of these are intended for smothering the insects. Others simply loosen nits and prevent eggs from sticking in the hair.
Home remedies include lathering the hair with Vaseline, castor oil, vinegar, pine oil and creamy peanut butter. Mayonnaise has also been used to remove lice, but poses the risk of salmonella poisoning if left overnight. Carefully cover hair with a plastic shower cap after applying any of these substances and allow the substance to sit on the hair for several hours.
It will take multiple washings to remove these substances from your hair. It may be beneficial to first wash your hair with a grease-cutting agent such as Dawn dishwashing liquid. Subsequent washes can be done using shampoo.
Remove Nits
After washing your hair with a medicated treatment or home remedy, you need to remove nits from your hair. Lice attach nits to the hair using an adhesive agent, so dipping a fine tooth comb in oil before combing may be effective at loosening the eggs. You have to remove all nits to prevent another infestation.
Removal and Prevention
Remove lice from bedding, all clothes worn within the last week, stuffed animals and other surfaces by washing everything in very hot water. Anything that can be washed or dried should be exposed to the highest heat possible. Dry-clean anything that cannot be washed at home. All hair accessories, including brushes, barrettes and hair ties should be soaked in extremely hot water, rubbing alcohol or medicated shampoo.
To prevent excess cleanup on subsequent infestations, purchase a plastic mattress cover. This will protect the mattress from becoming infested. Leave the plastic on pillows when they are purchased and cover with a pillow case that can be zipped up. This will reduce the amount of bedding that must be washed or replaced following an infestation.
People with long hair should wear their hair braided or tied back when in public locations. Never share hats, hairbrushes or hair accessories with others.
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