Everyone on earth has been affected by head louse. If affected it is a very irritable condition which is caused by the infection of the species of Pediculus Humanus Capitis. They are tiny and wingless insects. Although they are very small they are visible to the human eye. Even though they do not spread any diseases it is better to remove them once they are found. They can easily spread from one person to another. It normally affects small children and rarely affects adults. These are harmless except for the irritation, itchy and other problems of cutting the hair. The irritations that result from the itching can be seen as tiny red bumps or sores on the head. Human beings are the only species known till now to have been affected by the head louse. Even though some primates are known to have been affected by head lice. The head lice belong to the family of arthropods. They suck human blood and live on the scalp of human blood. They spread at such a heavy rate but they are checked by the eradication techniques found around the world. Some eradication methods are common in all parts of the world while others are unique to a particular nation or a race. Whatever the techniques may be, the method is simple. It involves applying any lice removal substance on the head and combing the hair to remove the lice. The substances whatever they may be suffocate the lice and helps in easy removal of them.
Here are some of the home made remedies to eradicate the infestation of head louse :
1. Mayonnaise :
They are thick and creamy substances formed by mixing oil, yolk of eggs with either lemon juice or any vinegar. Nowadays egg free mayonnaise are also available to those who are hesitant to use animal products and to those who feel allergic to eggs. It is one of the best methods to eradicate the problems of head lice. It is a very rare and a disgusting option. Applying it on the scalp of head is a very good idea to get rid of lice quickly. This substance either kills the lice or stuns them due to its nature. It can be left on the head for about half an hour. After that the hair is combed to remove the lice. The head must be then shampooed and massaged thoroughly and the same must be done for at least two times a week.
2. Olive Oil :
It is one of the most effective way of removing head louse. Olive oils do not cause any allergies to the head of the children on whom it is used. Olive oil must be applied on the head of the children at night and the hair must be tightly wound to a knot. It must be then covered by means of a plastic bag. In the morning we must thoroughly wash our hair by means of a shampoo and we must condition the hair. The olive oil removes only the lice but the eggs remain intact. So in order to remove the eggs we must apply it repeatedly. The oil suffocates the lice and helps in their removal. Repeatedly doing it for many times a week results in full eradication of the lice.
3. Garlic Paste:
Garlic is finely grinded into a paste. About 15 cloves are taken to grind them into a paste. Garlic is devoid of essential oil that eradicate the lice but the smell of the garlic paste suffocates them. Similarly like applying olive oil the garlic paste is applied on the head and covered with a plastic cover and left as it is for about half an hour. After that it is then washed off with shampoo and rinsed. With a comb the lice are then removed. It is repeated regularly for better results.
4. Mixture Of Baby oil, Laundry Detergent and Vinegar :
This is a very unique combination to eradicate the problem of lice. First the baby oil is smeared on the scalp of the child and left for an hour. It is then washed away and the petroleum jelly is then applied to the scalp of the head. It is left again for about half an hour. After that the hair is nicely rinsed with the help of shampoo. While under shower a required quantity of vinegar is applied to the hair and the hair is then washed off nicely. Although this method is very time consuming it is the most effective way of removing lice. Yet it is rarely used.
5. Petroleum Jelly :
Petroleum jelly is also known as Vaseline. Although it should not be used on the human body it still can be very handy. Some people like pregnant or breastfeeding women wish to avoid chemical shampoos. So vaseline comes as a substitute. Vaseline can be applied on the head of the children affected by lice. Care should be taken that the vaseline is applied on the hair and the scalp of the child. Vaseline takes more more time to work. It should be left on the hair for a period of about 8 to 10 hours. The hair must not be left as it is but should be covered with a shower cup. It does not directly kill them but it kills by suffocating them. It obstructs the air pores of the louse and kills it. After the period of 8 hours, the hair must be washed thoroughly with shampoo and rinsed nicely. The dead lice can be abolished by means of a comb. Vaseline is highly adhesive and it is very hard to remove because it sticks to the hair and gives it a greasy appearance. Detergent soaps can be effective in removing the vaseline but it is should not be used on human hair.
6. Salt Mixture :
Salt mixed with vinegar is a well known, powerful and strong liquid used to remove head lice. It is a conventional way to eradicate the problem of lice. The salt is mixed with an adequate quantity of vinegar and applied as a spray on the head of humans. It is sprayed until the hair is wet. It is left as it is for a period of eight hours. After that the hair is massaged with either olive oil or coconut oil. It is then combed to remove the lice from the head. The dead lice can be removed by combing. In this way the problem of lice can be eradicated. Although this technique is backed up by any scientific fact, it is practiced by the word of mouth for ages.
7. Tea Tree Oil :
Tea tree oil can be obtained from the tea tree which grows abundantly in Australia. This oil naturally has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is the most effective and natural way to kill head lice without any side effects. This oil is sprayed on the scalp and hair and then massaged till it becomes wet. It can be even applied at night. A cloth can be kept on the pillow to collect the fallen dead lice. It is left to remain so for about half an hour. The hair is then combed to remove the lice. The hair can be then washed nicely to remove the eggs. The oil not only kills the adult lice but also destroys the eggs. This oil can also applied on the head with the combination of coconut oil, olive oil and lavender oil.
8. Natural Pesticides :
These are very effective in eradicating the problem of lice from the head but are very dangerous too. These pesticides can be used orally as well as externally by applying on the scalp. Consuming orally can be harmful as it can upset the working of the internal organs. Natural pesticides like neem oil contains essential which are not toxic and are used in the killing of lice. The pesticides depending on their constituents either kill them directly or kill them by suffocation. They work as the other remedies above and there is no slight change in their working.
9. Using Nit combs :
Although we may remove the adult lice quickly the nits or eggs cannot be easily removed by manual or any other means. It is impossible to remove them by any means necessary. So we use nit combs. Nit combs can be directly applied on the head and it is very affordable. It has no side effects. Even though nit combs are very beneficial in removing the lice, they do not guarantee the complete removal of eggs. Even one egg can result in an outburst.
10. Medications and Soaps :
With the advancement in technology, newer medicines are being found for the treatment of lice. Some doctors prescribe certain tonics and tablets that should be taken orally. These when consumed alter the composition of the blood in such a way that is harmful for the lice. The lice die when they suck the blood after a person has consumed these tablets. Certain soaps which are enzyme based have also come in the market which exposes the exoskeleton of the lice and kills them. They are Lice B gone. Certain diatomaceous earth is also used to remove the infestation of lice. But it also exposes the scalp and the hair making them drier and brittle. This results in the easy breakage and hair fall. So we must take any medication under tye proper guidance of a physician.