How to remove lice from children using folk remedies?

How to remove lice from children using folk remedies? - briefly

Use a vinegar‑water rinse followed by meticulous combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb, or coat the scalp with mayonnaise or olive oil to suffocate the insects before combing.

How to remove lice from children using folk remedies? - in detail

Traditional home treatments can effectively eliminate head‑lice infestations in children when applied correctly. The process begins with a thorough inspection of the scalp and hair, using a fine‑toothed comb under bright light to locate live insects and nits. Once identified, the following steps should be followed.

1. Oil‑based suffocation

   • Apply a generous amount of warm olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly to dry hair, covering the scalp completely.
   • Leave the substance on for at least eight hours, preferably overnight, to block the insects’ breathing pores.
   • After the waiting period, wash the hair with a mild shampoo and use a fine comb to remove dead lice and detached eggs.

2. Vinegar rinse

   • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
   • Pour the solution over damp hair, ensuring it reaches the scalp.
   • Allow it to sit for five minutes, then rinse with cool water. The acidic environment loosens the glue that holds nits to hair shafts, making them easier to comb out.

3. Herbal decoction

   • Boil a tablespoon of dried rosemary or neem leaves in two cups of water for ten minutes.
   • Cool the liquid, then apply it to the scalp with a spray bottle or cotton ball.
   • Leave it on for fifteen minutes before rinsing. Both herbs possess insecticidal properties that reduce lice viability.

4. Tea‑tree oil treatment

   • Dilute three drops of 100 % tea‑tree essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil (e.g., almond oil).
   • Massage the mixture into the scalp and hair, then cover with a shower cap for thirty minutes.
   • Rinse thoroughly and comb out remaining insects.

After any of the above methods, repeat the combing process every 24 hours for three consecutive days. This schedule eliminates newly hatched lice before they mature and lay additional eggs. Clean all personal items—combs, brushes, hats, pillowcases, and bedding—by soaking in hot water (minimum 60 °C) or placing in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.

Safety considerations: perform a patch test for essential oils to avoid allergic reactions; avoid excessive oil application on infants under six months; discontinue treatment if skin irritation develops and consult a healthcare professional. Combining two compatible methods, such as oil suffocation followed by a vinegar rinse, can increase overall success rates without introducing chemical agents.