Resistant strains of pests are becoming more commonplace and when children play in close contact with one another, it makes it difficult to avoid becoming infected when there is an outbreak of lice. The most important concern is whether or not to treat lice with a pesticide or go for a natural product. Even natural products need to be used with caution, as some essential oils are not safe to be used with infants, small children or pregnant women. More families are reporting that one pesticide treatment isn't enough and express concern over repeated exposure to toxic chemicals found in lice treatments. Some scientists doubt that a resistant form of lice exists, however research is demonstrating that louses can adapt to the pesticides commonly found in lice treatment.
What to Look for
Olive oil has long been considered a safe and healing product for hair and scalp treatment. In treating lice, it was initially thought helpful in the effort to smother the insect. The issue of killing off the nit (egg) is the main concern, so repeated treatments are necessary with an olive oil treatment. The young lice may appear dead but adult lice can still be found alive when olive oil is use alone as a treatment. Using a nit comb helps to remove the eggs from hair and scalp. Other types of oil, such as Neem oil, interfere with the cycle and hatching of eggs. Tea tree oil can be used for it insecticidal properties, eucalyptus oil is useful as repellent and lavender repels lice and has a secondary benefit of being relaxing and calming. Peppermint oil is thought to prevent lice and rosemary oil is another repellent that also improves the hair and scalp condition. Try catnip as a highly effective repellent. Pests become immune to pesticides quickly, so you have to use more to kill the lice. Even essential oils that are know insecticides need to be used with a great deal of caution because the skin on children's head and scalp is very sensitive.
Common Pitfalls
Killing lice is a four step process: 1) Immobilize the lice and pretreat by dissolving the nits (eggs); 2) Kill the lice and nits and comb them out; 3) Use lice repellent to prevent re-infestation; and 4) Clean your home (bedding carpet, furnishing and carpet) and car environment using safe and natural products. It is important to not use extra amounts of the lice medication unless instructed by your health care professional. These medications are insecticides and can be dangerous when misused or overused. Do not wash the infected person's hair with a combination shampoo/ conditioner or use a creme rinse for 1 to 2 days after treatment.
Head lice can survive on the human carrier for around 30 days, but they do not survive for more than 48 hours away from a person. A female louse lays 3 to 5 eggs per day that will hatch in 7 to 10 days. It will take another 7 to 10 for those louse to mature and lay their eggs. It is important to prevent the cycle from occurring, so the nits must be killed. Do not treat the infested person more than 3 times with the same medication if it does not seem to work. See your health care provider for alternative medication.
It is critical that you do not mix lice treatment products because of the pesticides. It is equally important that you do not mix head lice natural products or combine medication and natural products. People do not develop resistance to the pesticides or insecticides and continued exposure can be toxic. Children's scalps are very absorbent and skin is a quick access to the blood stream. Many of these products have not been tested on small children under two years of age. It is best to use a nit comb in removing them from small children and consult further with your health care professional. Check your household for lice and nits every 2 to 3 days after infestation, and continue to treat only as nits appear within 1/4-inch of the scalp.
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