How can I remove lice from children using vinegar? - briefly
Apply a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to the hair, let it sit for 10‑15 minutes, then use a fine-toothed lice comb to remove the insects and their eggs, repeating the process daily for a week.
How can I remove lice from children using vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar can be used as part of a lice‑removal routine for children when applied correctly and combined with thorough combing.
Begin by selecting a clear, white distilled or apple‑cider vinegar with at least 5 % acidity. Dilute the liquid with an equal part of water to reduce scalp irritation; a 1:1 mixture is sufficient for most hair types. Test the solution on a small skin area for at least five minutes; discontinue if redness or itching develops.
Apply the diluted vinegar to dry hair, saturating the strands from scalp to ends. Allow the liquid to sit for 10–15 minutes. The acidic environment helps loosen the glue that lice use to attach eggs (nits) to hair shafts. During this waiting period, gently massage the scalp to promote penetration.
After the soaking time, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing 0.2–0.3 mm) to remove both adult insects and eggs. Start at the scalp, pulling the comb through small sections of hair, cleaning the teeth after each pass with a tissue or running water. Repeat combing for the entire head, then again after a short rinse to ensure no residual lice remain.
Repeat the entire process after 7–10 days, because any eggs that survived the first treatment will hatch within this window. A second application eliminates the newly emerged nymphs before they reproduce.
Additional measures improve effectiveness:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray insects.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed animals) in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to starve any remaining lice.
Do not use undiluted vinegar on broken skin or open wounds. Children with sensitive scalps, eczema, or known allergies to acetic acid should avoid this method and consult a pediatrician or dermatologist for alternative treatments. If infestation persists after two full cycles, seek professional medical advice, as prescription‑grade pediculicides may be required.