Head Lice Removal

Head lice aren’t dangerous, but extremely contagious. Removal isn’t quick, fun or exciting. But once a child or adult gets infected, it’s important to completely get rid of all lice and nits (lice eggs). Otherwise, they will come back in force a week or two after you thought they were gone. What makes them so difficult to get rid of is a glue-like substance their nits use to attach themselves to hair.

In the face of a head lice infection crisis, you typically have three options; run to your neighborhood drug store to buy over-the-counter removal products, try natural alternative treatments, or look up a lice treatment and removal professional in your area.

Over-The-Counter Home Remedies

While there are many home remedies sold that sound promising, using an over-the-counter product can be dangerous to your health, and ineffective. In addition, inappropriate use of off-the-shelf products can damage, sometimes even burn the scalp. Headlice.org, a non-profit health and education agency, points out:

“There are no over-the-counter or prescription treatments to kill lice that are totally safe and scientifically proven to be 100% effective against head lice and nits. These treatments are potentially harmful pesticides and reliance on them promotes repeated use and contributes to ongoing infestations, outbreaks and resistant strains of head lice. Various “natural” remedies are vigorously marketed on the Internet but we have found no scientific basis for their claims or efficacy and human safety. Manual removal of the live lice and nits is the safe alternative and a necessary component of any head lice treatment regimen.”

Common Natural Alternative Treatments

Some try to suffocate lice with Vaseline. This has been found ineffective and only leaves parents with the frustration of removing Vaseline. And last, Mayonnaise has no evidence of being any more effective than over-the-counter products. But at least it is safer.

Professional Manual Removal Services

Treatment by a professionally trained technician involves manually screening and removing all lice and nits with patented lice combs. Manual removal of lice and nits with a lice comb is the most effective treatment. Special organic treatment products may also be used to damage the nervous system of lice and loosen the glue-like substance that attaches nits to hair. Such products are non-chemical and non-toxic, enabling safe and complete removal of lice and nits. Before working with a professional, make sure any products they use are safe for you or your child. Since head lice are highly contagious, having your entire family evaluated by a professional is important. Otherwise, one family member may get treated, only to potentially get reinfected by another family member. In closing, even though a number of off-the-shelf products and natural alternatives are available for home remedy, it is recommended to let professionals handle head lice treatment and manual removal for safety and assurance. It only takes one missed nit to trigger a reinfection.

Read More Post!