(also referred to as...)
Head Lice
Description
Lice are small blood-sucking insects that cause itchy scalp. Their flattened, wingless bodies are 2 to 6mm long and grey, brown, black, or yellow, depending on the inhabitant's hair colour. And it only takes one to cause a problem.
These unwelcome guests are easily spread and can take up residence just about anywhere. From hats to combs to clothing to bedding, one can become host to lice with little effort on the part of the insect.
Lice lay tiny greyish-white eggs, or nits, which fasten themselves to the hair, usually close to the scalp. Both lice and eggs are difficult to see and remove. All eggs must be removed or reinfestation will occur.
Schools and Day cares are the most common place to acquire or pass on lice and those most affected are children aged 3 to 10 and their families. Once a child becomes host, lice spread rapidly and all members of the family should be inspected.
Symptoms and Signs:
Visible presence of lice and their nits is the most obvious sign of an infestation. Action should be taken as soon as a problem is realized.
Causes:
Pets are not a source of human lice. They do not act as hosts and do not pass on lice to your children.
What to Expect:
Infestations become increasingly difficult to remove as time goes on. As noted above, action should be taken as soon as possible. Reinfestation will occur if all eggs are not removed or all lice are not killed.
Remedies
Conventional Approaches
Lindane is widely used to treat lice and is incorporated into a number of shampoos and other lice-specific preparations. This pesticide is toxic to the liver and the nervous system, is an estrogen mimic, and can sensitize the skin. It is best to avoid this chemical as a number of viable alternatives exist.
Chemical alternatives to Lindane are available. Unfortunately, lice are becoming increasingly resistant. In addition to the Lifestyle recommendations below, a number of other remedies are effective against dealing with an infestation.
Lifestyle
First and foremost, thoroughly wash your child's hair.and any other members of the family who may have become hosts. Use tea tree shampoos or other preparations (see Miscellaneous, below) and comb out the nits with a metal nit comb. These combs have extremely fine teeth. Shampoo hair daily and use a blow dryer. The heat from the dryer is often hot enough to kill the lice and destroy the eggs.
To prevent the lice from spreading, wash bedding, clothing, hats, combs, and stuffed toys in hot, soapy water, and dry them with intense heat. Alternatively, seal these items in bags for one month or more until both lice and eggs die.
Floors, rugs, and furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed -- any place children like to lay their heads.
Family members should use separate towels and pillow cases until the situation is resolved.
Lice cannot jump but can run fast enough to transfer from one head to another. Encourage your children not to share clothes or hats at school. They should avoid sharing wigs or hats on "dress-up" days or during play-acting.
Children should not put their heads together if an outbreak is suspected.
Braiding hair helps prevent infestation. Cutting hair short is another option.
Herbs
A wash made of strong anise tea is said to be good for removing lice. This is due to the insecticidal components in the volatile oil. To make an infusion, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of seed, cover, and allow to infuse 5 to 10 minutes.
Miscellaneous
Tea Tree Oil is the best alternative remedy available to treat lice infestation. Do not use tea tree oil preparations on open wounds or cuts.
Shampoo
At the first sign of infestation, use a 2 to 4% tea tree oil shampoo. You can purchase this shampoo at most health food stores. Add 12 to 20 drops of pure tea tree oil per 30mL / 2 tablespoons of shampoo. If tea tree oil shampoo is not available, add 1 tablespoon oil to 30mL / 2 tablespoons of shampoo. Thoroughly lather the hair and the entire body. Leave shampoo on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse.
Shampoo and lather daily until the condition is resolved. As noted above, tea tree oil will not destroy eggs, only hatched lice. Continue treatment until you can ensure the problem has been resolved.
If your child's school or day care has a lice problem, use this shampoo as a preventative. Hair quality is not damaged by the oil and will actually improve it.
Scalp Rub
For a more potent (potentially irritating) approach, try the following scalp rub:
Mix 100 drops / 5mL oil with 30mL / 2 tablespoons vodka. Shake vigorously. Add 90mL / 6 tablespoons of water to the mixture. Shake vigorously to ensure the oil is well mixed in the solution. Shake well before each use.
Rub solution into hair and leave on at least 1 hour or overnight. Wash out. Use a metal nit comb to remove eggs. Repeat the scalp rub every 3 days. Follow the shampoo remedy, listed above, between scalp rubs.
If you develop a skin irritation to the alcohol, replace with a light vegetable base oil such as jojoba, sweet almond oil, grapeseed, or corn. Mix 20 drops tea tree oil with 5mL / 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.
Other Uses
Soak brushes, combs, and other infested items in water, 30mL / 2 tablespoons vodka, and 20 - 30 drops of oil.
You can also add 20 to 30 drops of oil to the laundry as a preventative.
Actions and Remedy Listings
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Anise
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Avoid Physical Contact With Other Affected Children.
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Blow-Dry Hair.
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Tea Tree Oil
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Vacuum Floors, Rugs and Furniture.
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Wash Bedding, Clothing, Combs, Hats, et cetera
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All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
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