What can be used for lice at home? - briefly
Effective home treatments consist of a fine‑toothed comb used on wet hair after applying a diluted vinegar or olive‑oil rinse to loosen nits. OTC pediculicide shampoos containing permethrin or pyrethrin can be applied according to label directions for additional eradication.
What can be used for lice at home? - in detail
Effective home treatments for head‑lice infestations rely on agents that either kill the insects or disrupt their ability to attach to hair. Several options are widely available and supported by clinical experience.
A petroleum‑based product such as mineral oil, baby oil, or olive oil can be applied to the scalp and hair, then covered with a shower cap for 30–60 minutes. The oil suffocates the parasites, making them easier to remove with a fine‑toothed comb. After the waiting period, the hair should be thoroughly combed, section by section, to extract live lice and nits. Repeating the process after 7–10 days eliminates any newly hatched insects.
Alcohol‑based solutions work by desiccating the insects. A mixture of 70 % isopropyl alcohol and water (1:1) can be sprayed onto damp hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed. Caution: avoid contact with eyes and open wounds, and do not use on children under two years of age.
Over‑the‑counter shampoos containing dimethicone, a silicone‑based polymer, are approved for topical use. Dimethicone coats the lice, causing them to lose grip and die. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding application time (usually 10 minutes) and repeat the treatment after one week.
Household items can serve as adjuncts:
- White vinegar (5 % acetic acid): Dilute with equal water, apply to hair, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse. The acidic environment loosens the glue that secures nits to the shaft, facilitating removal with a comb.
- Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Add 5 drops to a carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil) and apply to the scalp. The oil’s insecticidal properties complement mechanical removal. Conduct a patch test to rule out allergic reactions.
- Coconut oil: Apply liberally, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then comb. The oil penetrates the exoskeleton, impairing respiration.
Mechanical removal remains essential. A metal nit comb with 0.2 mm spacing should be used on wet, conditioned hair. Comb from scalp to tip, cleaning the teeth after each pass. Perform this procedure every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Safety considerations include:
- Verifying that all products are appropriate for the child’s age.
- Avoiding ingestion or contact with mucous membranes.
- Discarding or washing clothing, bedding, and personal items that have been in contact with the infested individual at temperatures ≥ 60 °C.
Combining a suffocating or desiccating agent with diligent combing provides a comprehensive, non‑prescription strategy for eliminating head‑lice at home.