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Hints on Controlling Head Lice
There are many methods used to control an infestation of head lice. If you are looking for an alternative method other than shampoos with pesticides you probably have run across some interesting home remedies. You may want to consider any problems that may arise by using some of the home cures you have found on the Internet or passed on from a friend or family member.
One method of lice control includes using Vaseline or any petroleum jelly. Soaking the head with Vaseline and covering it with a shower cap will suffocate the annoying pests. One home cure suggests sleeping with the Vaseline on the head overnight. In the morning, wipe off as much of the petroleum jelly as possible with paper towels and shampoo the hair.
Warning: It takes a long time to shampoo all the petroleum jelly out of the hair. It may take a month or more to get rid of the Vaseline. It will kill the head lice but be prepared for funny looking hair for about a month.
Warning #2: A survival course recommends using a Vaseline soaked cotton swab to use as a quick fire starter. You will need to keep your child’s head away from any open flame, cigarette or candle. Remember too this is a petroleum-based product you are using on their head!
Coating the hair with mayonnaise and wrapping in plastic wrap is another method used to kill head lice. This may be a good solution if you are treating a child and are pregnant with another one or nursing. You should always stay away from harsh chemicals if you are pregnant. Coat the hair with mayonnaise and leave it wrapped for about twenty minutes. Wash out with a good shampoo and use conditioner.
It is important to use a good nit comb to comb out the nits and dead adult lice. This same remedy comes with a hint of using a touch of hair spray on the hair to repel head lice because they do not like the taste.
Another hint for controlling head lice uses eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil mixed in one cup of conditioner. Apply this mixture and do a routine comb through as you would with any condition and comb method. The mixture is: one cup of conditioner, 25 drops of eucalyptus oil and 15 drops of tea tree oil.
You should consider doing a test strand to see if your child has any side effects from the essential oils. Continue this method for five to six days and continue to check your child’s hair often to look for signs of reinfestation. Warning: some essential oils may cause a rash or other reaction on the scalp.
After any method of head lice control, the household must be cleaned and vacuumed thoroughly each day. Any bedding, clothes or plush toys should be both washed in hot water and dried on the hot cycle of the dryer. Alternatively, you can put the clothes in a plastic bag for 10-14 days to suffocate the lice and any emerging nymphs.
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Wed 27 Aug 2008 19:31:08 CST | |