What’s Good For Head Lice?
WouterThere are a variety of home remedies for head lice. Some of these remedies are non-toxic and safe to use. Some of them contain essential oils that suffocate lice. Others may cause an allergic reaction. Some of these remedies also contain smothering agents like petroleum jelly or olive oil.
Using petroleum jelly on your child’s head can kill the lice, but you must leave the mixture on the child’s head for at least eight hours. This method isn’t very effective, because some lice will survive this treatment. Natural remedies are better for killing head lice. However, you should avoid freezing these solutions.
Natroba lotion is another treatment option. This lotion contains spinosad, a natural insecticide derived from soil bacteria. It is safe to use on children 6 months and older. It is not recommended for pregnant women. It’s important to read the directions on the label carefully and use it only as directed. If the lice persist after using it, you should contact your health care provider.
Another popular treatment for head lice is olive oil. This is a good alternative to almond oil, which can be too harsh for skin. It’s effective in suffocating lice and is available at many health food stores. However, one caveat with olive oil is that it can be painful to the eyes. The substance oleocanthal, one of olive oil’s healthful compounds, also causes a peppery bite, so use caution if your child has squirmy head lice.
