Lice are not dangerous, though they are very contagious. The bites from lice can cause the scalp to become itchy and may also leave an individual scratching continuously, resulting in infection or skin irritation. There are a number of treatments and home remedies for lice which may or not be affective.
Olive Oil
In the book, "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies" Jude says that olive oil can be used as a treatment for lice. It is recommended that an individual apply around 1 tbsp. of olive oil onto a metal comb and continuously rub the comb onto the hair: it is recommended that this be done twice a day. The lice will be killed, but it can a few weeks to actually see results. After applying the olive oil onto the scalp, the comb should be rinsed with cold water and the hair washed with regular shampoo to keep it hydrated and fresh.
Listerine
Reports by the People's Pharmacy suggests that Listerine can help to protect the scalp from lice infection. A quick remedy is to put Listerine mouthwash into a spray bottle and apply it to the scalp. Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash contains essential oils such as methyl salicylate and thymol which may be effective in killing lice.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be obtained by the steam distillation of leaves called Melaleuca alternifolia, according to the MayoClinic.com. It has been proposed that tea tree oil contains antiseptic properties that can help fight off bacteria and infections. There is a lack of available evidence that suggests that tea tree oil can help in fighting off any condition. According to Jude's Herbal Home Remedies, tea tree oil can be used to reduce the severity of lice on the scalp but will not entirely kill them off. It is recommended to put five drops of tea tree oil onto a comb and slowly apply it to the affect area of the scalp. Tea tree oil should not be taken orally as it can be toxic.
References
- People's Pharmacy: Listerine
- KidsHealth: Head Lice
- MayoClinic.com: Trea tree oil
- Jude's Herbal Home Remedies: Jude C, 2002.
