How to prepare tar for lice? - briefly
Melt pine tar in a double boiler, then dilute it with a neutral carrier oil (e.g., coconut or olive oil) at a ratio of roughly 1 part tar to 3 parts oil until the mixture reaches a spreadable consistency; add a few drops of tea‑tree essential oil for additional pediculicidal effect if desired. Apply the warm solution to the scalp, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and repeat after 7‑10 days to ensure eradication.
How to prepare tar for lice? - in detail
To create a tar-based preparation for head‑lice eradication, follow a precise sequence of steps that ensures efficacy and safety.
Begin with a high‑quality, pharmaceutical‑grade coal tar or pine tar. Measure 30 g of the tar and place it in a heat‑resistant glass beaker. Add 270 ml of distilled water, achieving a 10 % w/v concentration. Heat the mixture on a low‑temperature water bath (40–45 °C) while stirring continuously with a glass rod. Maintain the temperature until the tar fully dissolves; the solution should become uniformly dark and viscous.
Once the tar is dissolved, allow the liquid to cool to room temperature (20–22 °C). Transfer the solution to an amber‑colored, airtight bottle to protect it from light degradation. Label the container with concentration, preparation date, and a brief safety notice.
Before each application, perform a patch test: apply a small amount to a 2 cm² area of intact scalp skin, wait 15 minutes, and observe for irritation. If no adverse reaction occurs, proceed with the full treatment.
Application protocol:
- Part the hair into sections of approximately 2 cm width.
- Using a disposable applicator brush, saturate each section with the tar solution, ensuring coverage of the hair shaft and scalp.
- Allow the liquid to remain on the scalp for 30 minutes; do not rinse or shampoo during this period.
- After the exposure time, rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and a mild, non‑oil‑based shampoo to remove residual tar.
- Repeat the process every 48 hours for three consecutive treatments to break the lice life cycle.
Safety considerations:
- Wear nitrile gloves during preparation and application to avoid skin contact.
- Keep the preparation out of reach of children and pets.
- Store the bottle in a cool, dry place; discard any solution that develops an off‑odor or precipitates.
By adhering strictly to these instructions, the tar preparation can serve as an effective, low‑cost method for controlling head‑lice infestations.