How should vinegar be diluted to eliminate lice? - briefly
Mix white distilled vinegar with water at about a 1 to 3 ratio (approximately 25 % acetic acid). Apply the solution to the scalp, leave it for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
How should vinegar be diluted to eliminate lice? - in detail
Vinegar used for lice control should be mixed with water to achieve a mild acidic solution that can be applied safely to the scalp. A common preparation employs white distilled vinegar containing 5 % acetic acid diluted at a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water (approximately 25 % vinegar concentration). This mixture maintains sufficient acidity to loosen nits while minimizing irritation.
Before application, perform a patch test on a small area of skin; wait 10 minutes for any adverse reaction. If no redness or burning occurs, proceed with the following steps:
- Comb hair dry, removing as many live lice and eggs as possible with a fine‑tooth nit comb.
- Saturate the hair and scalp with the diluted solution, ensuring full coverage from roots to tips.
- Allow the solution to remain on the scalp for 5–10 minutes. The mild acidity helps detach the glue that secures nits to hair shafts.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, which may cause scalp discomfort.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days, targeting any newly hatched lice before they mature.
Safety considerations include wearing gloves to protect hands, avoiding contact with eyes, and keeping the solution away from broken skin. Children under 2 years of age should not receive this treatment without medical supervision. For individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to acetic acid, reduce the vinegar proportion to 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water (approximately 15 % vinegar) or discontinue use.
Consistent application of the described dilution, combined with mechanical removal of lice and nits, provides an effective, low‑cost method for controlling infestations.