How can lice be removed at home using tar soap?

How can lice be removed at home using tar soap? - briefly

Apply warm tar‑based soap to wet hair, massage the scalp, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then remove the insects with a fine‑toothed comb; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.

How can lice be removed at home using tar soap? - in detail

Tar soap, a thick, oily preparation derived from coal tar, can serve as an effective pediculicide when applied correctly. The following protocol outlines each stage of treatment, safety considerations, and post‑application measures.

1. Materials required

   • Commercial tar soap or a homemade mixture of 5 % coal‑tar concentrate dissolved in a mild liquid soap base.
   • Fine‑toothed lice comb (metal or plastic).
   • Warm water.
   • Old towels or disposable sheets.
   • Gloves (optional, to protect skin from irritation).

2. Preparation

   • Verify that the product is labeled for scalp use and contains no additional toxic additives.
   • Conduct a patch test: apply a small amount to the inner forearm, wait 15 minutes, and observe for redness or burning. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
   • Wash hair with a gentle shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel‑dry until damp but not soaking.

3. Application

   • Wearing gloves, spread a thin, even layer of tar soap over the entire scalp, focusing on the nape, ears, and areas behind the neck where lice and nits concentrate.
   • Massage gently for 30 seconds to ensure coverage; avoid vigorous rubbing that could cause scalp abrasion.
   • Cover the hair with a plastic cap or cling film to maintain moisture and heat, which enhances the soap’s lethality.
   • Keep the cap on for 30–45 minutes. Do not exceed one hour to reduce risk of dermatitis.

4. Removal

   • After the timed interval, remove the cap and rinse hair with warm water until the soap is fully washed out.
   • While hair remains wet, run the fine‑toothed comb through sections from root to tip, cleaning the comb after each pass.
   • Repeat combing for 5–10 minutes, ensuring that all visible nits are extracted.

5. Repeat treatment

   • Perform a second application 7–10 days later, as newly hatched lice may emerge from eggs that survived the first round.
   • Continue weekly combing for an additional two weeks to confirm eradication.

6. Precautions and contraindications

   • Do not use tar soap on children under 2 years, on broken skin, or on individuals with known sensitivity to coal‑tar products.
   • Avoid contact with eyes, nasal passages, and mouth.
   • Store the soap in a sealed container, away from heat and children’s reach.

7. Environmental control

   • Wash bedding, hats, hairbrushes, and clothing used during treatment in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for 48 hours.
   • Vacuum upholstered furniture and car seats to remove stray nits.

Following these steps maximizes the pediculicidal action of tar soap while minimizing adverse skin reactions. Proper repeat dosing and thorough combing are essential to achieve complete elimination.