How to remove lice with citric acid? - briefly
Apply a 5 % citric‑acid solution to the hair and scalp, let it act for 10–15 minutes, then remove lice and nits with a fine‑toothed comb; repeat the treatment daily for seven days. This method exploits the acid’s ability to dissolve the insect’s exoskeleton and disrupt its attachment.
How to remove lice with citric acid? - in detail
Citric acid acts as a desiccant, lowering the pH on the scalp and disrupting the protective wax layer of the insects. The resulting dehydration impairs their ability to cling to hair shafts, leading to rapid mortality.
To prepare an effective solution, dissolve 30 g of food‑grade citric acid in 500 ml of warm water. Stir until fully dissolved, then allow the mixture to cool to a comfortable temperature for the scalp. For enhanced penetration, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, which reduces irritation while maintaining the acidic environment.
Application steps:
- Saturate a clean spray bottle with the prepared liquid.
- Separate hair into sections of approximately 2 cm width.
- Spray each section thoroughly, ensuring the solution reaches the scalp and covers all strands.
- Massage gently for 2–3 minutes to facilitate absorption.
- Cover the treated area with a plastic cap and leave in place for 30 minutes.
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water, avoiding hot water that may neutralize the acid.
- Comb hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb, removing dead insects and nits.
- Repeat the process after 48 hours to address any newly hatched specimens.
Safety considerations:
- Perform a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before full application to detect possible allergic reactions.
- Avoid use on broken skin, open wounds, or irritated scalp.
- Do not apply to children under six months without medical supervision.
- Store the solution in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Additional measures that support the treatment include regular washing of bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and vacuuming upholstered furniture. Maintaining a dry environment reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation, as the insects thrive in humid conditions.