The mere mention of lice will have some running for cover. These creatures are well known for being hard to eradicate, as well as causing enough itching to drive one to the brink of insanity. These tiny bugs are parasites that can live on the scalp of humans or in the pubic hair, feeding off the blood. They are extremely easy to pass around, and cases of head lice are readily found in most schools around the country. Although the best way to kill off the pest is with medication, there are some home remedies that can be used to help with the process.
Vinegar
The Mayo Clinic suggests using a rinse of part vinegar, part water after using a medicated shampoo to get rid of lice. The eggs of lice are called nits, and vinegar helps to loosen their grip on the hair. This treatment works best if small sections of hair are treated at a time. The hair that is treated must be completely saturated and the vinegar should remain on the hair for 10 minutes. This process will not only loosen the nits, it will kill the live bugs as well.
Petroleum Jelly
For pubic lice and lice that have affected the eyelashes, petroleum jelly is the key. One should use an old toothbrush or an eyelash comb to apply petroleum jelly to the affected area. If the eyelashes are affected, there should be care taken to keep the petroleum jelly from getting into the eyes. The Doctors’ Book of Home Remedies suggests this treatment will help smother the lice.
Fine Tooth Comb
Smaller children and babies should not use medicated shampoo to remove lice, so the best option for them is using a fine tooth comb. This will remove the live bugs as well as the nits, reducing the risk for more lice to hatch. The hair should be wet and then combed through. DermNet NZ states that using conditioner before the comb will help the process along. If this is done twice a week for four weeks, the problem will be resolved.
Seal Soft Surfaces
The purpose of sealing up any soft surfaces is to suffocate the lice. This includes furniture and bedding. It also includes stuffed animals and curtains. If it is a soft surface, lice can thrive on it. These items should be placed in plastic bags and sealed up for two weeks. In order to treat larger pieces of furniture and mattresses, cut plastic bags and tape them together around the affected area to create an air-tight seal.
Wash Clothing
To remove the lice from the clothing, wash it using the hot cycle. Once the clothing is washed, immediately move it into a dryer and dry with high heat for at least 20 minutes. This will kill all lice and nits.
