Alternative Lice Treatment

Lice can affect people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and can be very contagious. Many parents and caregivers are concerned about the use of medicated and prescribed shampoos, and choose an alternative lice treatment to prevent the exposure of pesticides. When selecting a treatment, diligence with patience and understanding, may be required to effectively rid all nits and lice, and time, to prevent re-infestation.

Types

Many consumers are concerned about the long-term effects and toxicity levels of topical medicinal shampoos and gels, that contain lindane, pyrethrum or permethrin. For this reason, many seek alternative methods to killing lice and nits. Mayonnaise, olive oil, coconut oil, peanut butter, margarine, butter, petroleum based ointments and mineral oil, are applied with the premise, that the oily base of these products will suffocate the lice. Synthetic removal gels and "safe" alternative shampoos, are used in preparation for easier nit removal with nit (egg) removal combs. Hand-held, battery operated, electronic pulse combs work by zapping lice with a small electrical charge. Using hot water applied with a comb, and a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, is often applied to help loosen the strong glue that anchors nits to the hair shaft. Other remedies include tree oils, such as Chinaberry, Indian lilac and white cedar. Other options may be removing each louse and nit with tweezers, or shaving the head.

Time Frame

Time and commitment will be necessary to effectively remove all lice and nits when using an alternative lice treatment. Careful inspections and treatments, may have to be repeated daily on every family member. It is recommended that oil-based treatments, be left on the hair for eight to nine hours, or overnight. A louse's life span is 30 days and can lay up to 100 nits. Persistence is needed when using alternative treatments. To avoid re-infestation, daily checking for lice and nits is recommended for up 14 days after initial treatment. It may take a day or two to fully wash all linen and clothing. Non-washable items must be bagged for 14 days.

Effects

Most alternative lice treatments are nontoxic and safe for humans and the environment. When using alternative treatments, it is important to consider possible allergies that may occur. Some alternative products may become dangerous if left overnight on a child, or if a child is left unsupervised. Food products applied on the hair for a considerable amount of time can spoil, and may cause food poisoning if a child was to ingest the product. Mineral oil and baby oil can be dangerous if ingested, and can be harmful to the mucous membranes. Caution should be exercised, when using additional treatments and following with a medicated or prescribed shampoo. According to the National Pediculosis Association, residue from prior treatments may chemically react with other medicated shampoos, and increase pesticide absorption into the skin or cause overexposure.

Considerations

Alternative lice treatments may have to repeated daily, and each hair shaft will have to be inspected daily to effectively rid lice and nits. This may be more time-consuming, and may involve more work, as daily preventative household measures will have to be maintained to prevent re-infestation. Conducting research on an alternative treatments may be beneficial, as some alternative treatments may pose a risk to allergies or an increased risk to toxicity exposure, if used repeatedly, or in excess amounts.

Warning

It is never appropriate to use gasoline or kerosene as an alternative for treating lice, nor should it ever be considered. Gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene are dangerous, as the products are toxic and the fumes can be flammable. Tea tree oils can also be toxic to the liver, and rubbing alcohol is dangerous to mucous membranes. Plastic bags should never be used around children, due to the danger and risk of suffocation.