How to eliminate lice with improvised means? - briefly
Apply a fine-tooth comb to damp hair after treating it with a vinegar‑water solution, combing thoroughly each day for seven days. Then launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to eradicate any remaining insects.
How to eliminate lice with improvised means? - in detail
Lice infestations can be tackled without commercial products by using readily available household items and systematic procedures.
First, isolate the affected individual to prevent spread. Dress the person in a clean, loose‑fitting outfit; keep nails trimmed to avoid skin injury during combing.
Mechanical removal
- Wet the hair with warm water (temperature 38‑40 °C).
- Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly, olive oil, or coconut oil; the lubricant immobilizes insects and eases extraction.
- Use a fine‑toothed metal or plastic comb, moving from scalp outward in 1‑cm increments. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue and discard any captured lice.
- Repeat the combing process for 15‑20 minutes, covering the entire head. Perform this routine every 24 hours for at least one week.
Chemical‑free treatments
- Prepare a 1 % solution of white vinegar in water; spray onto the scalp, let sit for 5 minutes, then repeat combing. The acidic environment detaches nits from hair shafts.
- Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste; apply to the hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse and comb. The alkaline mixture disrupts the lice exoskeleton.
Heat application
- Set a hair dryer to a medium temperature; pass the airflow over the scalp for 5 minutes, maintaining a distance of 5 cm to avoid burns. Heat kills insects on contact.
- Alternatively, use a steam iron on a low setting, gently pressing a clean towel over the hair for 30 seconds per section.
Environmental decontamination
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in plastic bags for two weeks, the period required for lice to die without a host.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect the scalp after each treatment session; look for live insects and empty egg casings (nits) within 1 mm of the scalp.
- Continue the combing schedule for seven days, then conduct a final check after 14 days to confirm eradication.
These improvised measures, when applied consistently, eliminate head lice without reliance on specialized pharmaceuticals.