Lice Aren't Nice!
Contents of this Article
Non-Toxic Treatments to Use With Nit Picking
There is a wide variety of lice treatments available. Current research and community feedback suggest that some lice have become resistant to common pesticides used in treatment. In response to this, several pesticide-free treatments have been developed. Based on research and reports by school nurses, the Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition (LANCC) have found the following treatments to be effective:
- Nit Loosening Process - White vinegar can be used to loosen the nits (lice eggs) from the hair before you begin nit picking. Soak the hair with white vinegar and then apply a damp towel that has also been soaked in the same solution. Leave the towel on the hair for 30 to 60 minutes, then begin to pick the nits.
- LiceOut ™ - LiceOut ™ is a non-toxic gel that washes out easily and is safe and easy to use. LiceOut ™ traps lice so that nit combs, such as the LiceOut ™ comb or the LiceMeister ™ comb can remove lice and nits. Always follow the instructions on any lice treatment product.
- Oil Based Treatments - Oil based products such as olive oil or mayonnaise make it difficult for lice to breathe. If you saturate the hair with an oil based product and leave it on the hair for more than 30 minutes, this will cause the lice to slow down. This process makes removing live lice and nits much easier. Treatment includes:
- Cover the infested head completely with olive oil or mayonnaise - do not use homemade mayonnaise, low/no fat mayonnaise, or salad dressing.
- Place a shower cap over the hair or wrap the hair with plastic wrap.
- With the cap on, briefly blow dry the hair. The heat will help kill the lice.
- Leave the cap on for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Using a special nit removing comb, like the LiceOut ™ comb or the LiceMeister ™ comb, remove the lice and nits. Read the 12 Easy Nit Picking Steps
- Shampoo the hair with regular baby shampoo or regular shampoo without conditioner, detangler, cream rinse or oils. It may take more than one shampooing to remove all of the mayonnaise/oil.
- Use the special nit removing comb to remove any remaining nits. Continue to remove nits twice a day for two weeks.
- HairClean 1-2-3 ™ - This is a natural head and hair hygiene treatment that is pesticide-free. It contains coconut oil, anise oil, and ylang ylang oil. It has been used effectively in Israel to kill lice. A research team from the University of Miami found HairClean 1-2-3 ™ to be an effective non-toxic product for the treatment of head lice. Always follow the instructions on any lice treatment product. Available at select pharmacies and health food stores or call Quantum, Inc. 1-800-448-1448.
Some Shampoos Without Conditioners
- Johnson ® Baby Shampoo
- Neutrogena ® Anti-Residue Shampoo
- Salon Selectives ®, Level 7 ® Shampoo
- Ivory © Shampoo
- Prell © for Normal or Oily Hair Shampoo
The Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition (LANCC) does not endorse or promote any of the products mentioned. Details are provided for your information only! The information in this summary was gathered by the Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition (LANCC) and was reviewed by the Snohomish Health District. The Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition (LANCC) does not assume responsibility for the outcome of your treatment. January 2006.
References:
Washington State Department of Health - Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition of Snohomish County (LANCC) - Publications - January 2006 - www.doh.wa.gov
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory