How should blacksmith water be applied to hair to treat lice? - briefly
Apply the blacksmith water directly to dry hair, saturating the scalp and each strand, and allow it to remain for the recommended 15–20 minutes; then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to ensure any newly hatched lice are eliminated.
How should blacksmith water be applied to hair to treat lice? - in detail
Blacksmith water, a traditional iron‑rich infusion, can be used as a topical treatment for head lice when applied correctly. The following protocol outlines preparation, application, and post‑treatment steps.
Preparation
- Obtain a clean, stainless‑steel pot.
- Fill with 1 L of distilled water.
- Add 30 g of ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) or a comparable iron salt.
- Heat to a gentle boil, maintain for 5 minutes, then allow to cool to lukewarm (approximately 35–40 °C).
- Filter through sterile gauze to remove solid particles.
Safety checks
- Verify that the solution is not scalding; test temperature on the inner wrist.
- Perform a patch test on a small scalp area; wait 15 minutes for any adverse reaction.
Application
- Separate hair into sections of 2–3 cm using a fine‑tooth comb.
- Saturate each section with the iron solution, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and hair shafts.
- Massage gently for 2 minutes to improve penetration.
- Cover the head with a waterproof cap or plastic wrap to prevent evaporation.
- Leave the treatment in place for 30 minutes.
Rinse and follow‑up
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water; avoid shampoo for 24 hours to allow the active agents to act.
- After 24 hours, wash with a mild, non‑medicated shampoo to remove residual iron particles.
- Repeat the entire process after 7 days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Additional measures
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) after each treatment cycle.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery to reduce reinfestation risk.
Adhering to this regimen maximizes the efficacy of the iron infusion while minimizing skin irritation and ensuring complete eradication of Pediculus humanus capitis.