No one wants to have lice. They cause your scalp and skin to itch; and once you have them, you have to treat the problem to get rid of them. Practicing basic cleanliness is the best preventative, but even then, you can end up contracting lice.
Once you get them, you are faced with figuring out the best way to rid yourself of them. Fortunately, there are several great products on the market, and some good options for treating yourself at home. If you still are having issues after trying these, be sure to contact a doctor for help. Check out these 5 home remedies and whether you should use them, or not.
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Do's
1. Nix or Rid. The best way to get rid of lice at home, according to WebMD, is to use piperonyl butoxide with pyrethrins and permethrin lotion, 1%. These are the active ingredients in Rid and Nix, which you can purchase over-the-counter. You need to treat the infected hair twice, one week to 10 days apart.
1. Nix or Rid. The best way to get rid of lice at home, according to WebMD, is to use piperonyl butoxide with pyrethrins and permethrin lotion, 1%. These are the active ingredients in Rid and Nix, which you can purchase over-the-counter. You need to treat the infected hair twice, one week to 10 days apart.
2. Fine comb. If you don't like the idea of chemicals, Medical News Today says that you can use a fine comb and comb out your hair when it's damp, from the roots to the tips. You are working to remove the eggs from your hair. Work from the top of your head to the bottom and one side at a time. The Mayo Clinic says you can also remove the lice with the comb. To be successful, you need to comb through your hair every three to four days for at least two weeks.
3. Vinegar. Although some may claim that vinegar will kill headlice, the Headlice Center tells a different tale. It states that the vinegar won't kill adult lice, but it will help you remove lice eggs, known as nits. You want to wipe the vinegar on damp hair, going from the roots to the tips. If that sounds too labor-intensive, you can simply soak your hair for several minutes and then use a nit comb to remove the eggs.
Don'ts
4. Mayonnaise. Harvard Medical School cautions people about several home remedies that are making the circuit. Trying to smother the lice with mayonnaise does not work. The end result of using mayonnaise is lice-infested, greasy hair that will still need to be treated.
4. Mayonnaise. Harvard Medical School cautions people about several home remedies that are making the circuit. Trying to smother the lice with mayonnaise does not work. The end result of using mayonnaise is lice-infested, greasy hair that will still need to be treated.
5. Petroleum jelly. A second home remedy to avoid, according to Harvard Medical School, is petroleum jelly. Again, the idea is to slather the jelly on the hair in an attempt to smother the lice. It also does not work, and you will still have to deal with the lice infestation and try to clean the jelly out of your hair.
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If you are trying to get rid of lice, be sure to treat all the bedding and clothes as well. Wash them in hot water and dry them on high heat. If you can't put the items in the washer and dryer, you can put them in plastic for two weeks. By being smart, you can be lice free in your home.