Natural Treatments for Lice

Natural treatments for lice may be an option for parents seeking alternatives to pediculocide shampoos. Natural treatments may be considered safer, but may be more time consuming. It is important to understand the types of methods available. Making an informed decision about treatment options will ensure safety and make the time commitment manageable for everyone involved during treatment.

Types

• Natural lice treatments are options that may be used to rid lice and nits, instead of using pediculocide shampoos. Natural treatments include mayonnaise, olive oil, coconut oil, peanut butter, margarine, butter, petroleum-based ointments (Vaseline), mineral oil and tree oils. These oil-based products are used with the premise that suffocation of lice will be a result. Hot water application with a comb or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water may be used to help loosen the strong glue that anchors the nits (eggs) to the hair shaft. Battery-operated electronic-pulse combs work by zapping lice with a small electrical current. The Nuvo Method offers a neurotoxin-free treatment. Other options include removing each louse and nit with tweezers or shaving the head.

Time Frame

• Natural lice treatments may have to be repeated daily. Each hair shaft will have to be inspected daily to effectively remove lice and nits. This will be more time consuming and will involve more work, as daily preventative household measures---such as treating hair care items, washing linens and clothes---will have to be maintained to prevent re-infestation. Oil-based products will have to left on for hours with the intent to kill lice. Checking daily for lice and nits is recommended for up to 14 days from the last noticed infestation. Non-washable items must be bagged for up to 14 days.

Effects

• Most natural lice treatments are considered to be nontoxic and safe for humans and the environment; however, caution should be exercised to avoid possible allergies. Repeated shampoos may be necessary, as oil-based treatments can be extremely difficult to remove from the hair. Mayonnaise should be used with caution when the application is left for a length of time, as the odor may become offensive as it spoils. Studies suggest that these natural treatments may not be as effective. The Nuvo Method, a study conducted at Stanford University, in Menlo Park, California, by Dr. Dale Pearlman, offers an effective 96 percent success rate.

Considerations

• Preventative household measures should be maintained to prevent re-infestation. Taking steps to avoid allergies and possible food poisoning should be considered when using food products as natural remedies. Children should be supervised at all times to prevent ingestion of food products applied for long periods of time. Mineral oils, baby oils and petroleum-based ointments can also be poisonous if ingested. Shaving a child's head may also be embarrassing for the child and may affect the child's self esteem.

Warning

• Gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene are not natural treatments for lice, nor should they ever be considered. These chemicals are extremely dangerous; the fumes can be highly flammable. The use of gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene can result in injury or death. It is never appropriate to use these chemicals on the body. Plastic bags should never be used around children, due to the danger and risk of suffocation.