Head Lice – vinegar, petrolium, oil and other natural home remedies

It would be great if the solution to eliminate head lice was that easy. However, home remedies against head lice can really work on ridding of these critters once and for all?

Here is an overview of some home remedies used to treat head lice and their effectiveness.

* The use of mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, the food grade oil or margarine based on the underlying idea that these substances, thick and heavy, can cover and smother the lice effectively. Although this technique may complicate the breathing mechanism, it still may not be enough to kill them.
* There have been some cases that tea tree oil or aromatherapy treatments have shown some effectiveness against head lice.
* Never use gasoline or kerosene. These products are flammable and toxic, and they can be extremely dangerous.

If you rather keep the mayonnaise for your sandwiches, you can always concentrate on methods that have proven their effectiveness.

A technique of combing wet hair is suggested as a treatment to get rid of head lice alive. For this technique, we use a lice comb to remove them. Repeat the combing of wet hair every 3 or 4 days during a period of two weeks. The lice that have hatched from nits after the first combing are removed on the second, third or even fourth time combing. Some recommend daily combing, often for several hours.

While combing wet hair is economical and safe, it takes time, but evidence supports its effectiveness as first line treatment against head lice. For curly hair, the method maybe a bit more challenging but possible nevertheless. Some people suggest using vinegar when combing wet hair. Acetic acid have also been effective in killing lice, even nits.

Your pharmacist is also an excellent source of information on treatment options against head lice. If you think home remedies might work and have more confidence in their safety, you won’t regret it. However, some prefer non-toxic over the counter medication. Pharmacists are normally well informed about the safety of treatments using chemicals against head lice. Your pharmacist can help you choose a non-hazardous product that you can use with ease and peace of mind.