How can vinegar be properly used to get rid of lice? - briefly
Apply undiluted white vinegar to the hair and scalp, cover for 10–15 minutes, then use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits; repeat the process daily for at least seven days. Ensure thorough rinsing after each treatment to prevent irritation.
How can vinegar be properly used to get rid of lice? - in detail
Vinegar can serve as an adjunct in lice eradication when applied correctly. The acidity of the solution helps dissolve the glue that secures nits to hair shafts, facilitating removal with a fine-toothed comb.
Preparation
- Choose a clear, unflavored vinegar with 5 % acetic acid (white or apple‑cider varieties are suitable).
- Dilute with equal parts lukewarm water to reduce scalp irritation; a 1:1 ratio is standard.
- Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle or a small bowl for manual application.
Application procedure
- Saturate dry hair with the diluted solution, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips.
- Cover the treated area with a plastic cap for 10–15 minutes; the acid penetrates the adhesive bond.
- Remove the cap and rinse hair with lukewarm water.
- While hair remains damp, comb through with a nit‑comb, starting at the scalp and moving outward.
- Rinse the comb after each pass to prevent re‑depositing adhesive material.
- Repeat the entire process every 24 hours for three consecutive days, then a final session after one week to capture any newly hatched lice.
Safety considerations
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area 30 minutes before full application; discontinue if redness or burning develops.
- Avoid use on infants younger than six months, on open wounds, or on chemically treated hair that may be more susceptible to damage.
- Do not combine with harsh chemical pediculicides; the mixture may reduce the efficacy of other agents.
Limitations
- Vinegar alone does not kill live lice; it only aids in detaching nits.
- Effectiveness diminishes if the solution is too diluted or applied for less than the recommended duration.
- Persistent infestations may require supplemental pharmacologic treatment.
Post‑treatment care
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray hairs bearing nits.
- Maintain regular combing sessions for two weeks to verify complete eradication.
When executed as described, vinegar functions as a practical, low‑cost component of a comprehensive lice‑control regimen.