Folk remedy: how to get rid of lice in a child? - briefly
Apply a warm solution of diluted apple cider vinegar to the scalp, let it sit for 15 minutes, then comb out nits with a fine-tooth nit comb; repeat daily for seven days. As an alternative, massage a paste of crushed rosemary leaves and olive oil into the hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, rinse, and comb thoroughly.
Folk remedy: how to get rid of lice in a child? - in detail
Traditional home treatment for a child’s lice infestation relies on readily available substances and systematic application. The goal is to eliminate live insects, remove nits, and prevent re‑infestation while minimizing irritation.
First, prepare a combing solution. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts warm water, add a teaspoon of olive oil per liter, and stir until homogeneous. Soak the hair for 15 minutes; the acidic medium loosens the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts, while the oil facilitates slip during combing.
After soaking, use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair. Start at the scalp, pull the comb through a small section, wipe the teeth with a clean tissue after each pass, and place collected material into a sealed container. Repeat until the entire head has been processed. Perform this combing routine every 24 hours for three consecutive days.
Second, apply a second‑line remedy for stubborn cases. Combine equal parts of neem oil and tea tree oil (5 drops each per tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil). Apply the mixture to the scalp, massage gently, and leave it on for at least one hour before washing with a mild shampoo. Both oils possess insecticidal properties that act on remaining lice.
Third, treat personal items to break the life cycle. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in water at 60 °C or higher; if washing at lower temperatures, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in airtight plastic bags for two weeks, the period required for lice to die without a host.
Precautions:
- Conduct a patch test for oil blends on a small skin area 30 minutes before full application; discontinue if redness or itching occurs.
- Avoid using excessive amounts of oil on infants under six months; opt for a diluted vinegar rinse only.
- Do not combine these methods with chemical pediculicides unless directed by a healthcare professional, as interactions may increase scalp irritation.
Monitoring: Examine the scalp each morning for live insects or viable nits. Absence of movement after three days indicates successful eradication. Continue weekly checks for two weeks to confirm that no new hatchlings appear.
Preventive measures: discourage head‑to‑head contact during play, keep hair tied back, and regularly inspect children’s hair after group activities. Maintaining clean personal items and limiting shared use of hats, combs, and headphones reduces the risk of future infestations.