Head lice are the most common problem among small kids and it infest children everywhere in the world. The lice infestation often spreads in the home to other family members or from one child to another in schools or even when they are playing together. Head lice, therefore, spreads by direct contact with the hair of an infested person and the maximum infestation may be found among children 3-11 years of age.
Head lice are obligate parasites that spend their entire life on the human scalp and feeding exclusively on human blood. Head lice are wingless insects. Lice are oval in shape and about the size of a sesame seed. They are attached to hair close to the scalp - an environment that provides an ideal temperature for incubating the egg. Head lice are tiny grey/brown insects. Lice aren't dangerous and they don't spread disease, but they are contagious, irritating, and many times hard to get rid of. Recently, a strain of so-called “super lice” has been found in USA that can’t be killed with over-the-counter treatments. However, many home remedies have been found to be very effective in getting rid of even the most stubborn lice. Here are few natural remedies to eliminate head lice:
1. Neem Oil
Neem oil, as we all know is a natural insecticide. Neem in its all form known to have hair healthy properties. Neem, therefore, can help get rid of lice safely and effectively. Add several teaspoons of neem oil to your own shampoo and use it on regular basis. Alternatively, you can also buy a shampoo that contains neem oil.
2. Garlic and Lime Juice
Prepare mixture of garlic and Lime juice by grinding around 8 to 10 cloves of garlic and mixing them with 2-3 teaspoons of lime juice. Apply this paste all over scalp. Leave for 30 minutes and then thoroughly rinse it with warm water. Garlic’s strong fragrance suffocates lice.
3. Olive Oil or Almond Oil
Both the Olive and almond oil are effective home remedies as they suffocate lice and make easier for you to remove with a comb. Separate the hair into many sections using clips, coat the hair with oil, comb the hair. After combing shampoo the hair and rinse twice. Clean the towel and comb. Use this remedy every day for one week.
4. Vinegar and Mineral Oil
Mix equal amount of Vinegar and Mineral Oil. Apply this effective mixture to your scalp and hair at night. Leave overnight after covering your hair with a shower cap. Next morning, wash your hair with a regular shampoo.
5. Camphor and Coconut Oil
Warm up 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and add a little camphor to it. When the oil cools, apply all over the scalp and massage. Cover the head with a shower cap and leave it for night. In the morning, shampoo your hair and when dry, comb with a nit comb. Do this daily for 5 days.
6. Use UCS Baby Neem Wood Comb
UCS Baby Neem Wood Comb is gentle on a child's scalp. Neem's natural medicinal properties keeps child's scalp and hair disease free. Neem Wood combs have stimulating, antiseptic, antiviral and bacterial properties that are beneficial to hair and scalp. Regular use will not only removes lice but also prevents reinfestation.
To prevent reinfestation, one should clean combs and brushes daily in hot water to dislodge lice. Change towels, bed sheets and pillowcases daily.
