Lice are small, wingless insects that live on the scalps of humans. They feed on human blood and can cause itching and irritation. Lice are most commonly found in children, but can infest people of any age. There are several over-the-counter lice treatments available, but some people prefer to use home remedies. This is especially true for people who are concerned about the side effects of chemical treatments.
Effective Home Remedies for Head Lice
The home remedies you are about to read will be a great help in getting rid of lice. So, Here are home remedies for lice:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic and insecticidal properties that can kill lice and their eggs. It also helps to soothe the itchiness and irritation caused by lice bites.
To use this remedy,
- Mix together 3-4 drops of tea tree oil into coconut oil.
- Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with shampoo and lukewarm water.
- Repeat this remedy once a week for several weeks to get rid of lice completely.
2. Wet Combing
Wet combing is an effective and safe way to remove lice from your hair. It involves using a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and their eggs from the hair.
To use this method,
- First wet your hair with lukewarm water.
- Apply some conditioner to make combing easier.
- Then, use a fine-toothed comb to comb through your hair, starting from the roots to the tips.
- Pay special attention to the areas behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, as these are common sites for lice infestation.
3. Anise Oil
Anise oil is another effective home remedy for lice. It has strong insecticidal properties that can suffocate and kill lice and their eggs.
To use this remedy,
- Add a few drops of anise oil to your shampoo
- Wash your hair with it as usual.
- Alternatively, you can mix together 2-3 drops of anise oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair as usual. [1]
4. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can also be used to get rid of lice. It smothers and kills lice by suffocating them.
To use this remedy,
- Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to your scalp and hair.
- Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, shampoo your hair as usual. [2]
5. Pure Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another effective home remedy for lice. It has strong insecticidal properties that can kill lice and their eggs. In addition, it helps to soothe the itchiness and irritation caused by lice bites.
To use this remedy,
- Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to your scalp and hair.
- The lice begin to die within 4 hours when they come in contact with coconut oil.
- So, it is best to leave the oil in your hair overnight.
- In the morning, shampoo your hair as usual.
6. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is also effective in getting rid of lice. It has strong insecticidal properties that can kill lice and their eggs.
To use this remedy,
- Mix together 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair as usual.
- This remedy lacks scientific evidence.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another home remedy that can be used to get rid of lice. It helps to suffocate and kill lice by coating them.
To use this remedy,
- Apply a generous amount of olive oil to your scalp and hair.
- Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for about 3 hours.
- Then, shampoo your hair as usual.
What Not To Do?
There are a few things you should avoid doing if you have lice. First, do not share combs, brushes, hats, or other personal items with someone who has lice. Second, do not use chemical insecticides to treat lice, as they can be toxic and cause serious side effects.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If home remedies are not effective in getting rid of lice, you may need to see a doctor or dermatologist. They can prescribe medication that will kill the lice and their eggs.
You can try these home remedies to get rid of lice. However, if they are not effective, you should see a doctor or dermatologist for treatment. Not every remedy be suitable for you, so check out each one and see what works best. Try not to share personal items with others, and avoid using chemical insecticides, as they can be toxic.
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