Headlice: How To Get Rid Of The Itch

Did you know that head lice are becoming more and more resistant to the chemicals in the most common lice treatments? In fact, some scientists now estimate that up to 90 percent of lice infestations are non-responsive to chemical treatments like permethrin pyrethrins. But there is good news - there are a number of alternative, natural treatments that are not only extremely effective but also safe for your family.

Tea tree oil is an effective treatment for headlice. Tea trees, which are native to Australia, produce a fragrant oil that has anti-fungal and anti-vermicidal properties. You can find tea tree oil at your local health food store. Tea tree oil can be found as a special shampoo, conditioner, or hair oil.

A unique way to get rid of headlice that is becoming increasingly popular these days is to use mayonnaise. The theory is that the oil in the mayonnaise smothers the lice and kills them. The method is to apply a thick layer of mayonnaise to the hair and then cover it with a shower cap and leave it overnight. The next day the hair must be combed with a lice comb, and then shampooed. The treatment may need to be repeated several times.

There are many options for safe lice removal. One of the most effective is shaving the head. Lice need hair of a certain length to provide them with a conducive environment to grow and reproduce. And if the hair is just long enough to harbor lice, keeping it quite short makes it easier to treat with a lice comb. Having very short or shaved hair may be an acceptable style to children in today's fashion world.

Finally, a viable treatment involves simply repeatedly combing lice and nits from the child's head. This treatment will need to be repeated twice daily for up to two weeks, but promises certain success without use of chemicals. However, it can be time intensive, so many parents use this treatment only as a last resort.

Alternative and herbal home remedies for head lice removal, while not the first choice for may people, are a safer and just more effective than commercial, chemical-based treatments. Chemical treatments allow headlice to become more resistant to the substances used and are not family-friendly. While a natural choice is more appealing, it is still best to check with your doctor before starting any treatment for headlice removal.

Tea tree oil is a very good treatment for headlice. Tea trees grow in Australia and make a very fragrant oil that has anti fungal properties. Your local health food store will have a lice treatment with tea tree oil. Some treatments that will have the oil will include special shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils. Another effective, though severe treatment, that should be discussed is shaving the child's head for lice removal. Herbal products are good home remedies for head lice, which are safe and effective. However before undergoing any herbal treatment, always first check with your doctor.

- norman horowitz