What's Good For Head Lice Infestation?

If you think your child may have head lice, the first step is to treat the child’s scalp. Lotions containing benzyl alcohol are FDA-approved for the treatment of head lice. However, they are not ovicidal, so you’ll need to use a second treatment to kill newly-hatched lice.

The next step is to apply conditioner liberally on the scalp and through each strand of hair. This will help to suffocate head lice and make them less likely to move. Once you’ve applied the conditioner, you should comb the hair to spread it evenly. Don’t forget to retreat the hair as well to remove immature lice.

It’s also important to note that lice can re-infest hair after treatment, so you need to be extra careful. It’s not recommended to use pet shampoo to treat head lice infestation. You should also avoid using fumigant sprays, which can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

The best way to prevent lice is to avoid sharing personal items, and treating everyone in your household who came into contact with a person who had head lice. This prevents the spread of lice to others, as well as the spread of the infection. It’s also important not to share your child’s hats, stuffed animals, or t-shirts with other children. You can also sterilize items by washing them in hot water and drying them in the dryer for at least two weeks. Hot water and soap can also kill lice eggs.

It’s important to remember that lice can survive for just a few days on a human’s scalp. However, their nits can’t survive outside of the body for longer than a week. Besides, it’s best to keep long hair in a tight braid or ponytail. If you have a recurrent infestation, it’s essential to visit a pediatrician for a stronger treatment.