Head lice affect the scalp and hair. Sometimes, they tend to occur in other hairy parts of the body. Lice are parasites that feed on human blood. They suck blood by inserting their needle-like oral organs in to the skin.
There are 3 phases of a louse’s life, the egg, nymph and adult. Eggs hatch in 10 days and nymphs develop. The adults have a life cycle of 30 days. They crawl fast and spread via direct contact.
Symptoms Of Head Louse
- The most common symptom of lice infestation is incessant and uncontrollable itching.
- Occasionally, bites on the back of the neck may also be spotted.
- The person will complain of a sensation of an insect crawling on the head.
- Secondary skin infection like impetigo may develop in some cases.
- Dandruff occurs, and is a sign of the presence of nits.
- Hair loss may develop in severe cases.
Home Remedies For Head Louse
It is preferable to use home remedies to get rid of head lice, particularly in case of children; rather than using chemical agents. The following home remedies have been proved to be highly effective in eliminating lice:
- Coconut oil: is a fantastic anti microbial.
Mix coconut oil with camphor and apply every night. Shampoo the hair next morning. Thereafter, use a lice comb. - Tea tree: tea tree essential oil is the most effective remedy to manage head lice. It kills the lice promptly and reduces itching and burning. It also helps eliminate the nits and eggs.
- Lime: squeeze the juice of 1 lime; add 1 spoon of any carrier oil, such as, almond oil or olive oil or coconut oil. Rub in to the scalp. Rinse after 2 to 3 hours. Use a lice comb after washing the hair.
How To Get Rid Of Head Lice Naturally?
Following natural ingredients are effective in getting rid of head lice.
- Onion: grate 1 onion and squeeze out the juice. Massage in to your scalp. Leave on for 3 hours. Thereafter, shampoo the hair.
- Fenugreek seeds: soak 2 spoons of fenugreek in some water for half an hour. Then, grind in to a fine paste. Apply this to your scalp and hair. Fenugreek successfully fights the lice and eliminates completely and permanently.
- Peppermint oil: add peppermint oil to your shampoo. It promises to kill the lice and also prevents recurrences.
- Garlic: garlic is the best anti septic and anti microbial. It destroys the lice and prevents secondary infections too. Make a paste of raw garlic and add 5 to 10 drops of lemon juice. Massage in to the scalp every night and leave on for 8 hours. Wash in the morning.
- Hygiene and cleanliness: avoid direct head contact with any person, more so, if that person is affected by lice. Always use your own hair accessories and never share them with anyone. Cover your head with a scarf when visiting crowded places.
