Lice are tiny parasitic insects that feed on human blood, commonly found in the hair on the scalp but also capable of infesting eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. Adult lice are just 2–3 millimetres long and lay their eggs (nits) close to the skin, leading to fast and stubborn infestations.
Effective treatment requires eliminating both the lice and their eggs—if the eggs aren’t removed, they’ll hatch and start the cycle again. While several over-the-counter (OTC) products and natural remedies are available, individuals with sensitive skin should consult a doctor before attempting any home treatments.
Let’s explore safe, simple, and effective home remedies for naturally getting rid of lice.
Effective Suggested Home Remedies for Lice
Essential oils are substances that have therapeutic properties.
Several small clinical investigations have shown that certain natural plant oils may be effective in harming lice and their eggs. Among these products are tea tree oil, lavender oil, and anise essential oil.
The home remedies for lice treatment also include a few ingredients that are not as effective but can be used as temporary lice treatments, such as Extra virgin olive oil and petroleum jelly.
Here’s a list of 5 home remedies for head lice treatment:
- Anise essential oil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Petroleum jelly
- Tea tree oil
- Other lice treatments
1. Anise Essential Oil
Anise oil has the potential to cover and kill lice. Although other natural therapies were frequently effective, anise oil is considered a comprehensive solution for removing lice. People who tried various herbal medicines usually had re-infestations within a few months.
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil has comparable properties to anise oil in terms of potentially smothering lice and stopping them from returning. People looking for a highly efficient home lice treatment should consider combining olive oil with anise oil. Olive oil may offer additional benefits for the hair and scalp. There is, however, limited scientific evidence that proves this.
3. Petroleum Jelly
By suffocating the insects and probably their eggs, petroleum jelly can only kill lice. Petroleum jelly is greasy and messy, and removing it may necessitate multiple washings. It may be a suitable choice for individuals with treatment-resistant lice or those who are allergic to lice shampoos.
However, this remedy does not guarantee re-infestation, nor does it prevent lice from laying eggs.
One advantage of using coconut oil and anise is that the effects are physical rather than neurological, which means that lice are unlikely to develop resistance to the treatment. The treatment causes the lice’s waxy outer coat to dry out, causing dehydration and death.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Due to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is a popular home remedy for various skin conditions. Tea tree oil as a cure for head lice is less successful and time-consuming than other medication. In addition, tea tree oil can irritate the skin and cause a rash or itching.
5. Other Lice Treatments
Herbalists and supporters of natural therapies claim that a variety of items, including garlic, thyme oil, and sesame oil, can treat head lice. However, there is little to no scientific data to support their effect.
Garlic has been found in studies to have limited benefits as a treatment for lice infestations. While thyme and sesame oils initially helped, people who used them frequently experienced a return of the infestation. Anise and coconut oils were more effective as head lice treatments.
Lice are generally not dangerous, but highly contagious. Anyone can become infected with them, and this infestation can be unpleasant. Because they are highly infectious, it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible.
A person’s lice infestation may not necessarily indicate poor hygiene or other health problems. If you need assistance making treatment decisions, consult with your doctor or another healthcare expert.
Before treating a lice infestation, anyone with a weakened immune system, a history of severe skin reactions, or previous experience with treatment-resistant lice should consult with a healthcare expert.
Do Lice Treatment at Home Have Any Effect?
The effectiveness of home cures for lice is being studied. Some home cures, such as coconut oil or anise oil, may be useful. Home remedies for lice can be effective or ineffective.
One significant concern with home remedies for lice is that they may not be effective in permanently eliminating the lice. A study of various natural therapies found that lice infestations returned in the majority of cases within 2 to 8 weeks of treatment.
How to Get Rid of Lice Eggs in Your Hair?
There are a few things that can be done to treat a head lice infestation at home.
- Look for shampoos or lotions containing pyrethrin (or its synthetic version, permethrin). These chemicals are toxic to head lice and their eggs.
- Use ivermectin lotion, available over the counter.
- Along with using OTC shampoos and lotions, use a fine-toothed nit comb to comb through wet hair. It will help eradicate lice and some nits.
- During a session, comb the entire head thoroughly from the scalp to the hair ends, twice as often as normal. This treatment should be repeated every 3 to 4 days for at least 2 weeks after no further lice are identified.
Expert Quote:
– Dr. Sachin Singh
“Hair lice are highly unpleasant and can be extremely embarrassing too. While home remedies may be effective, it is best to use OTC products meant to treat head lice.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Products with specific insecticides, such as pyrethrin or permethrin, work quickly and effectively to kill lice. Moreover, using a fine-toothed comb to remove lice manually and their eggs, as well as home remedies for lice, can aid in their rapid elimination.
Home treatment for head lice can be done by using a shampoo or lotion to treat the lice. Take products available over-the-counter or by prescription that contain insecticides, such as pyrethrin or permethrin. Carefully follow the directions and apply the product to dry hair, making sure that the entire root to tip is covered.
After using the medication, run a fine-toothed lice comb through your hair to remove the lice and their eggs. Continue this procedure regularly to ensure all lice and their eggs are removed.
Home remedies for lice also include coconut oil. It can kill lice by suffocating them, but it might not be as successful in totally eliminating lice infestations as more insecticidal treatments.
One of the home remedies for lice removal is using hot water. Lice and their eggs can be killed by hot water. Lice can be removed from clothing, bedding, and personal things by washing them in hot water (over 54.4°C). For complete eradication, hot water treatment should be used in conjunction with other home lice treatments.
Although the acidic property of lemon juice might be able to suffocate or dehydrate lice, this is not considered as a approved method of lice elimination. For successful lice removal, it is advised to use medically approved shampoos and lotions for lice.
While head lice are more common in children, it’s still possible for adults, including those in their twenties, to get head lice.
Men can indeed be affected by head lice, just like women. The key is to recognise the symptoms (itching, lice, and nits) and seek appropriate treatment.
Yes, neem is commonly used for treating head lice. Its natural properties, including insecticidal effects, can help combat lice. Neem oil or neem-based shampoos are often recommended for treating head lice.
References:
- Veal, L. (1996). The potential effectiveness of essential oils as a treatment for headlice, Pediculus humanus capitis. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 2(4), 97–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1353-6117(96)80083-7
- Takano-Lee, M., Edman, J. D., Mullens, B. A., & Clark, J. M. (2004). Home Remedies to Control Head Lice. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 19(6), 393–398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2004.11.002
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mehmet_Eren_Yueksel/publication/324163582_The_spectacular_presentation_of_orf_disease/links/5ac2643da6fdcccda65f79f5/The-spectacular-presentation-of-orf-disease.pdf#page=29
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