How to Cure Lice with Natural Head Lice Treatment Products?

What are Head Lice?

Head lice are wingless parasitic insects that feed on human blood and spend their entire life cycle on the human scalp. The infestation of head lice is scientifically termed as pediculosis capitis, which differs from Pediculus schaeffi that infest the chimpanzees. Head lice infestation takes place when lice or their eggs are directly transferred from one person to another. They mostly affect children.

Unlike the disease carrying body louse, head lice are not directly associated with bacterial and viral infections, but they are an indication of poor personal hygiene and unhealthy living environment leading to infectious diseases.

Symptoms of Head Lice

Itching and discomfort are the main head lice symptoms, but sometimes you may not be even aware about these tiny parasites on your scalp. The common sign and symptoms of head lice infestation include:

• Persistent itching on the scalp, neck and ear areas. This itching occurs due to allergies from the saliva of head lice. So, if you are not very allergic or get accustomed to louse saliva, you may not feel any itching or such itching and discomfort may disappear after two to six weeks of infestation.
• Visual appearance of head lice: Although head lice are tiny insects that move quickly and prefer to remain hidden within thick layers of hair, it is possible to visual spot them.
• Visual appearance of their eggs or nits on hair shafts: these nits are very tiny and mostly camouflaged to remain hidden, but you can easily spot them around the ears and neck hairlines.

Causes of Head Lice

Head lice is not a flying insect. They crawl out to find a new host, but it has been observed that the static energy from brushing dry hair can help louse to jump or become airborne for short distances. However, direct transmission of lice and their eggs to another person though shared towels, combs or contact are the most common method of head lice infestation. This is the reason why children at school or members of the family are more likely to get lice infestations from other kids or members of the close group.

Although, indirect transmission is not very likely, you may also get lice infestations by sharing towels, pillows, upholstery, brushes and combs, hat and scarves, hair accessories and even headphones. Indirect transfer may occur even when these items or clothing are stored together.

For example, if you share your school locker or hooks to store your hats, scarves or other items, lice infestation may become a very annoying reality.

How to Get Rid of Head Lice?

How to get rid of head lice? Natural head lice treatment products as well as pharmaceutical medications can be used to get rid of head lice. However, it's very important to carefully follow the instructions so that tiny head lice and their eggs are completely eradicated from the scalp. You can find several home remedies for preventing or curing head lice infestations, but their effectiveness is clinically not proven.

Doctors mainly recommend OTC head lice treatment products to treat head lice. These medications are taken or applied on a schedule. The first application kills existing lice and some of their eggs and a second application is required to kill the hatched nymphs from the remaining eggs.

Appropriate timing of the second application is necessary to prevent any further laying of eggs by adult lice. Some studies have indicated that the ninth day from the first treatment is the ideal schedule for a second application, but there are head lice treatment products that recommend different schedule. You should consult your doctor for an ideal schedule related to the recommended medication.

When head lice treatment products are not effective in treating lice infestations, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:

• Benzyl alcohol (Ulesfia): the product works by cutting off the oxygen supply to head lice. Benzyl alcohol is not very toxic, but it can cause side effect like redness, rashes, and itching on the scalp. This medication may be used to disinfect medical devices, but clinical studies have confirmed that Benzyl alcohol is associated with seizures and other severe side effects in toddlers and therefore, this lice treatment is not recommended for infants less than six months.
• Malathion (Ovide): it's a very toxic medicine that can be used to treat lice infestations in people more than 6 years of age. The medicine is available as a medicated shampoo which is applied for at least 12 hours and rinsed thereafter. Due to its high alcohol content, this product is not suitable to be used with a hair dryer or near an open flame. Recently, the WHO has banned the use of Malathion for its toxic effects.
• Linden: this product is also available as a medicated shampoo and its side effects is even more severe. It can cause seizures as well. Due to its high toxicity, the Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings that Lindane should not be used if you are less than 110 pounds (50 kg.), pregnant, lactating, has a history of seizures in your family or suffering from HIV infection. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also recommended that this product should not be used on children.

Head Lice Treatment Options

Head lice infestations are common and affect individuals of all ages, especially school-aged children. Treating head lice involves eliminating both the live lice and their eggs (nits) to prevent re-infestation. Various treatment options are available, ranging from over-the-counter products and prescription medications to natural solutions.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Many people start with over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain active ingredients like permethrin or pyrethrin. These are synthetic insecticides that target the nervous system of lice. While often effective, lice in some regions have developed resistance to these chemicals. Additionally, these products may cause scalp irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

OTC products usually require a second application 7 - 10 days after the first treatment to kill newly hatched lice. Combing out the dead lice and nits with a fine-tooth comb is necessary to complete the process.

Prescription Medications

In more stubborn cases, doctors may recommend prescription treatments such as malathion lotion, benzyl alcohol, ivermectin lotion, or spinosad. These products tend to be more effective against resistant lice strains. However, they are often more expensive and may come with side effects like scalp irritation or a strong odor.

Prescription treatments are typically used when OTC options fail or when a heavy infestation requires a stronger approach. Medical guidance is advised to ensure safe and appropriate use, particularly for young children and individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Natural Head Lice Treatment Products

Natural treatment products offer a chemical-free alternative for those looking to avoid synthetic pesticides. These products use plant-based oils and other natural ingredients to suffocate or repel lice. Many are available in the form of sprays, shampoos, or lotions and can be found in health stores or online.

Natural options appeal to individuals concerned about the safety of conventional lice treatments. While results may vary, many users report success when using natural products alongside thorough combing and repeat applications.

Manual Removal

Manual removal through wet combing is another widely used method. It involves applying conditioner to wet hair and using a special lice comb to remove lice and nits. Though time-consuming, this technique is non-toxic and effective when done consistently over a few weeks.

Combining multiple approaches - such as natural products with manual removal - can increase treatment success and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Best Natural Products for Head Lice Treatment

Natural head lice treatment products provide a safe, non-toxic alternative to chemical-based solutions. These products are designed to eliminate lice without using synthetic insecticides, making them suitable for children, people with sensitive skin, and those seeking eco-friendly options. Most natural lice treatments come in the form of shampoos, sprays, lotions, or oils and are available through pharmacies, health stores, and online retailers.

• Natural Lice Shampoos: Natural lice shampoos are formulated with plant-based oils and cleansing agents. These shampoos are used just like regular hair products but are specifically made to kill or remove lice. They typically require application to dry or damp hair, followed by thorough rinsing and combing to remove dead lice and nits. Many of these shampoos are gentle on the scalp and can be used multiple times during the treatment cycle.
• Lice Removal Sprays: Natural lice sprays are applied directly to dry hair or bedding and clothing to prevent re-infestation. These sprays often contain essential oils that create an unpleasant environment for lice. Some are used as a follow-up after shampooing, while others are designed for daily use as a repellent. They are particularly useful for households with more than one affected person or for protecting against future lice exposure.
• Natural Lice Lotions and Gels: Lotions and gels offer a thicker consistency that helps cover the scalp and hair more thoroughly. These products usually stay on the hair for a specific period before being rinsed out. Their consistency makes it easier to coat each strand of hair, helping to suffocate lice. Some gels also make it easier to loosen nits from the hair shaft, making combing more effective.
• Natural Oils and Oil Blends: Some treatments include natural oils or blends that are directly applied to the scalp. These oils are believed to smother lice or disrupt their ability to cling to hair. After application, hair is usually wrapped for several hours or overnight before washing and combing.
• Lice Combs: While not a product that kills lice, fine-tooth metal lice combs are often sold with or recommended alongside natural treatments. Regular combing helps remove dead lice and nits and increases the overall success of the treatment.

Natural head lice treatment products can be effective when used correctly and consistently. Repeated application and thorough combing are essential parts of any successful natural lice removal plan.

How Natural Head Lice Products Work

Natural head lice products work through physical or behavioral disruption rather than chemical poisoning. Unlike synthetic treatments that attack the nervous system of lice, natural products focus on suffocating lice, disrupting their grip on the hair shaft, or repelling them using strong scents.

Suffocating and Coating Lice

Many natural lice treatments work by coating the lice with a thick substance that blocks their breathing pores. Oils, gels, or lotions form a layer that covers the lice's exoskeleton, preventing them from absorbing oxygen. Once suffocated, the lice die and can be removed with a comb. This method is non-toxic and does not depend on the life cycle of the lice, making it effective against both pesticide-resistant and regular lice.

Disrupting Lice Mobility

Some ingredients in natural treatments affect the outer layer of lice, causing them to dehydrate or lose their ability to cling to the hair. When lice cannot grip the hair shaft or move freely, they become easier to remove manually. These effects are usually the result of oil-based solutions that coat the hair and interfere with the lice's natural adhesion mechanisms.

Repelling Lice with Natural Scents

Many natural products include strong-smelling plant extracts that repel lice. While these ingredients do not kill lice directly, they help prevent re-infestation by making the scalp an unattractive environment. These repellent properties make natural products useful not only for treatment but also for daily prevention, especially during outbreaks in schools or households.

Common Ingredients in Natural Head Lice Products

Natural head lice treatment products often contain a blend of plant-based ingredients that target lice through physical action or strong scent. These ingredients are generally safe for children and adults and are chosen for their effectiveness, safety, and low risk of irritation.

• Tea tree oil is one of the most common ingredients in natural lice treatments. It has a strong aroma that lice find unpleasant, and it may help immobilize or repel them. Many shampoos and sprays include tea tree oil for both treatment and prevention purposes.
• Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In lice treatment products, neem oil is believed to interfere with lice reproduction and feeding. It also helps soothe irritated scalps.
• Coconut oil is often used as a base in natural lice products due to its thick consistency. It works by coating lice and suffocating them. Coconut oil also helps loosen nits from the hair shaft, making them easier to remove with a comb.
• Olive oil is another thick oil used for its suffocating properties. It helps coat both lice and their eggs, aiding in their removal during combing. Olive oil is also gentle on the scalp and can be used overnight under a shower cap.
• Peppermint and eucalyptus oils: these essential oils are added to lice treatments and sprays for their strong scents, which help repel lice. While they may not kill lice directly, they are useful in preventing re-infestation when used regularly.
• Lavender oil offers a calming scent and is commonly included in lice prevention sprays. It helps mask the natural scent of the scalp, making it less attractive to lice.

How to Prevent Head Lice?

Besides treating head lice infestations, preventive measures are very important in controlling the spread of lice among children, particularly in those who attend child care facilities, preschools, schools and other group activities. If the entire environment is not managed, you may find it very difficult to prevent recurring lice infestations.

How to prevent head lice? Although indirect transmission is not very likely, the kid should be encouraged to place garments in separate lockers and use separate hooks to hang their hats or scarfs. It should be explained why the sharing of brushes, combs, hats, hats, scarves and even protective head gears for sporting events are not hygienic, and should be avoided.