Head lice, also known as pediculosus, are very common among men, women and especially children, and are caused by a contagious parasitic scalp infection. Small, white, dandruff-like parasites called louse live on the hair and scalp and feed on the host's blood. Louse's eggs, or nits, are deposited onto the scalp and resemble a clustering of flaky dandruff. Symptoms of a head lice infection include constant itching of the scalp and feelings of movement in the head. Sores from scratching may be present as well. A thorough examination of the head usually determines if head lice is present.
Oil Based Remedies
Lice like clean, breathable environments, which is why clean scalps and hair are an ideal home for louse and nits. To drown out the lice, cover the scalp and hair with a thick oily substance like Vaseline or olive oil before bedtime. The oil will work overnight to help suffocate louse. Afterwards, place a shower cap or hair bonnet over your head to keep your pillowcase as clean as possible, and thoroughly wash out the oil in the morning.
Make sure to reapply the oil every night before bed in conjunction with other remedies like lice shampoos. If you see louse, dead or alive, manually remove them from your head. You can perform a check by using a lice or nit comb and slowly combing through all of your hair.
Shampoo Remedies
Most lice shampoos and creams have a powerful pesticide ingredient called Pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is commonly used to kill other pests like cockroaches. Since lice shampoos are essentially pesticides, it's important to use them exactly as directed. Leaving them on the scalp and hair too long can cause scalp irritation. About 10 minutes is usually a sufficient amount of time for the shampoo or cream to work. After application and rinsing, follow up by combing through your hair with a nit comb and removing the dead lice eggs. Using shampoos to treat lice is highly effective because they target the existing eggs on the head as well as louse.
Be sure to refrain from using dog shampoos and commercial pesticides that aren't designed for human use. These products can cause physical damage like chemical scalp burns and sores. Also, since lice are highly contagious, be aware that if a member of your household has a case of head lice, each resident of the household must be treated for lice as well. Don't use shampoos until visible evidence of lice is seen on a person's head. Lice shampoos, creams, treatment kits and nit combs can be purchased at your local pharmacy or drug store.
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