Lice Removal And Olive Oil

When it comes to head lice, removing them can often seem as insurmountable as killing them. These pesky insects secure their eggs, or nits, to your hair using a sticky substance that makes their removal extremely difficult. In certain cases, you may be able to use olive oil to get rid of head lice for good, but know the facts about live removal and olive oil before you opt to use this common kitchen ingredient as part of your treatment.

Lice

Lice are parasitic, wingless insects that live on the human body and consume human blood. Although several different types of lice affect humans, the head louse--Pediculus humanus capitis--is typically the species most often associated with removal using olive oil. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, head lice infestations develop more frequently in preschool and elementary school children. Head lice don't transmit diseases, but those who are infected could develop a secondary bacterial infection from excessive scratching.

Efficacy

According to Joan Sawyer, co-author of "Head Lice to Dead Lice," olive oil provides an effective, nontoxic option for both killing and removing lice. You can maximize the effectiveness of this lice remedy by manually removing the dead lice and lice eggs with a nit comb after treatment. Another factor that may affect this method's effectiveness is the frequency of use; Sawyer suggests repeat treatments on a regular basis, typically every three to four days for three weeks, to completely disrupt the insect's life cycle.

Method

Apply olive oil directly to the scalp, coating the entire head of hair liberally. Cover the head with plastic wrap or a plastic shower cap to contain the olive oil-coated hair. The olive oil should remain in the hair for at least eight hours, so consider doing the treatment in the evening right before bedtime; according to Sawyer, this treatment duration provides enough time for the lice to suffocate before removal. Follow up by thoroughly combing the hair using a metal nit comb; leave the olive oil in the hair while combing to make lice removal easier.

Considerations

Consider going the extra mile by cleaning your personal items and home to minimize your chances of developing a re-infestation after you use the olive oil lice treatment. Wash items that might have lice on them including hats, scarves, hair accessories, stuffed animals and blankets. Use 130-degree Fahrenheit water and dry the items for a minimum of 20 minutes. Put any items that you can't wash into a sealed, plastic bag for at least three days and don't forget to vacuum your floor and furniture as well.

Warning

Talk to your doctor before using olive oil for a head lice infestation especially in infants and young children. Take extra measures to keep your child warm during the olive oil soaking, particularly during winter months, as doing so could increase her likelihood of getting a cold or other illness. To prevent olive oil stains, cover your pillow with a towel to protect it during the eight-hour soaking period.