How does oil act on lice? - briefly
Oil coats the lice’s exoskeleton, sealing the spiracles and cutting off respiration; the blockage causes suffocation. Simultaneously, the oily film disrupts the cuticle, leading to dehydration and eventual death.
How does oil act on lice? - in detail
Oil applied to a head‑lice infestation works primarily through physical blockage of the insect’s respiratory system. The insect breathes through openings called spiracles located on the thorax and abdomen; a layer of oil seals these openings, preventing gas exchange and leading to asphyxiation. In addition, oil creates a film that interferes with the cuticular lipids, disrupting the waterproof barrier and causing dehydration.
The action on immature stages (nits) differs. Oil penetrates the cement that attaches nits to hair shafts, softening it and allowing mechanical removal. Prolonged contact can also impair embryonic development by limiting oxygen diffusion through the chorion, reducing hatch rates.
Key mechanisms include:
- Suffocation – oil coats spiracles, blocking airflow.
- Desiccation – disruption of cuticular lipids increases water loss.
- Cement dissolution – oil softens the adhesive that secures eggs, facilitating extraction.
- Thermal conductivity – oil transfers heat from the scalp, raising local temperature and accelerating metabolic stress on the parasite.
Effectiveness varies with oil type. Mineral oil, olive oil, and coconut oil possess low viscosity and high affinity for the insect’s exoskeleton, ensuring thorough coverage. Essential‑oil blends (e.g., tea‑tree, neem) add neurotoxic compounds that further impair lice movement, though their primary contribution remains the physical smothering effect.
Application guidelines for optimal results:
- Saturate hair and scalp with a generous amount of oil, ensuring every strand is coated.
- Massage gently for several minutes to distribute the fluid and penetrate egg cement.
- Cover the treated area with a plastic cap or towel for 30–60 minutes to maintain occlusion.
- Remove excess oil with a fine‑tooth comb, focusing on the removal of dead lice and loosened nits.
- Repeat the procedure after 7–10 days to target any newly hatched insects that escaped the initial treatment.
Safety considerations: most carrier oils are non‑irritating and safe for topical use on the scalp. Essential‑oil preparations may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals; a patch test is advisable. Oil residues can be washed out with a mild shampoo after treatment cycles.
Clinical observations indicate that consistent use of the described protocol yields a reduction in live lice counts of 90 % or greater within two treatment cycles, provided thorough mechanical removal accompanies chemical suffocation.