Head lice are generally not harmful but are highly infectious and regarded with fright, when they appear. Head lice usually occur in children; especially ones who spend the day with others that are infected with the condition. The incidence of head lice is highest in play school and junior school. It does occasionally occur in adults too.
Head Lice Symptoms
Main head lice symptoms are itchy scalp, red bumps or sores, visual appearance of nits, and infection if the bites bleed. Getting head lice is not an indication of unclean hair and it becomes important to get the correct treatment once you or your child is diagnosed with head lice. Symptoms for head lice also include intense itching behind the neck and the ears.
Most of the remedies for removal of head lice are chemical. In case you or your child is infected with head lice, you should consult a doctor before the application of any chemical substance by way of shampoo or ointment.
Home Remedies and Treatment for Head Lice
There are different home remedies for head lice but one the most effective is the combing out of head lice. As wet combing does not involve any chemicals, the head lice rarely become resilient to it.
Another homemade remedy is application the coconut oil that has been boiled with neem leaves. If these leaves are not available, then even garlic can be mixed with coconut oil. Massage this oil into your scalp. Wash it out the next day. You can then rinse your hair with vinegar. This will surely kill head lice. You will just have to comb them out.
The head lice home treatment also includes aromatherapy. You can use lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree with base or carrier oils. Massage this combination into your scalp and leave it overnight. This will kill existing nits and lice and even discourage further infestation.
Once the head lice are removed, it is important that all surroundings are cleaned, washed and disinfected. Though head lice do not remain alive outside the human scalp, it is still important to get them cleaned. You should also inform all your friends and relatives who come in regular contact with you. They all should get cleaned and disinfected too.
In order to prevent spreading of infection, you must also take some additional precautions. You need to avoid sharing personal items like towels and combs. Keep your pillow cases also separate from others. Clean the items of personal use regularly, especially combs and hairbrushes. Clean these personal items with rubbing alcohol. Precaution is the best cure when it comes to head lice. It is therefore necessary that you always stay hygienic.