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There are various methods for 'treating head lice', developed since ancient Egyptian times when lice first became a problem for humans.

Contents

Standard treatment

Shaving the Head

Natural solutions

Chemical solutions

Combing

Fabric cleaning

Risks

Alternative treatment

Neem seed extracts

Electric combs

Essential oil shampoos

Bugbusting

Prevention

Natural oil

Hairstyle

References

External links

Standard treatment

Shaving the Head

Shaving off all the hair is a viable solution.^[1] This can be performed alone using mirrors to see all sides of the head, although it is easier to have someone else help with the procedure. A completely shaven head is necessary, a mere buzz cut is not sufficient.
Shaving the head gives the lice little to grasp to stay attached to the head. In addition to head hair, lice may infest facial hair or eyebrows, and these may also need to be removed for effective treatment.
While effective, some patients may find the hair removal aesthetically unappealing.

Natural solutions

Natural solutions permeate the Internet and are also sold in some retail stores. Their effectiveness is not always supported by research studies. Many communities have resource teams who can help, you may want to seek references to these from a local WIC or Head-start organization. It is important to take all the steps to lice eradication, not just to clean the hair. Especially important are combing with a good lice comb and putting non washable items such as stuffed animals and pillows into plastic storage bags for at least 14 days. If only the hair is treated no method will prevent re infestation.
Natural treatments are being sought by concerned caretakers due to the possible harmful effects that are caused by pesticide-based head lice solutions. Natural solutions are generally made up of ingredients that are grown or produced naturally by plant or floral life. When using these type of treatments be aware of possible allergic reactions, and test a small area on the inside of the arm first. Some products being sold as natural solutions are more for show than effect, seek the advice of a doctor or head lice removal team before using these treatments. Do not use any product if you think it may be irritating or caustic.

Chemical solutions

Human head lice can be killed by a 1% permethrin or pyrethrin (neurotoxic) or Lindane lice shampoo.
As the lice live very close to the scalp, there is no need to coat the entire length of the hair. The hair must be combed with a fine-toothed comb after treatment to remove the nits.
Chemical solutions generally require at least three weeks of treatment.
It is absolutely imperative that treatment be applied to DRY hair. Chemical treatments work through the lice respiratory system. The lice have a protective mechanism whereby their lungs immediately close, and remain closed for up to 4 hours, when they get wet. This is why "Smothering methods" such as mayonnaise must be left on the head for more than 4 hours.

Combing

Combing, also called nitpicking, is a particularly effective method for removal of lice without the use of any medicine, special shampoos, or meticulous visual inspections.
A special comb can remove nymphs and adult lice, but not their eggs. Black combs are frequently used to ease visual inspection, but metal combs may be used as well. Plastic combs may become ineffective due to the separation of the teeth after use.
Combing takes approximately 10 days to clear the head of lice.

Fabric cleaning

In addition to removal of lice from the hair, it is 'necessary' to clean items such as bedding and clothing which the lice may also have infested. The items can be cleaned in hot water. Head lice do not survive in bedding and clothing for more than 24 hours. However, nits can survive for up to two weeks and must be killed with chemicals, removed by vacuuming or starved in quarantine for at least two weeks. Placing items into plastic bags and leave them undisturbed for 14 days, when the eggs hatch they will have no food. If you cannot store items such as stuffed animals and pillows wash with bleach and dry with heat.
Other items that should not be forgotten are; towels, upholstered furniture, matresses, car seats, carpets and rugs, nap cots, hats, scarves and gloves or mittens (children in particular will rub their heads with these on, thus infesting them too). You can use a vacuum and and lice spray to clean many of these items which cannot be washed with water. ^[2]

Risks

Resistance to commercially available anti-lice shampoos such as the above is becoming increasingly common. Pesticides like these can be dangerous to humans, and raising pesticide levels can be problematic due to concerns about the current level being toxic. Some studies suggest an elevated risk of childhood acute leukaemia following exposure.^[3]

Alternative treatment

Neem seed extracts

Shampoos based on Neem seed extracts can also be efficient if used properly.^[4]

Electric combs

One alternative to insecticidal treatments, particularly where resistance is common, is to use an electric comb such as the RobiComb. Alternating teeth carry a high voltage (though the developable current is small, and so the device is safe). Fine combing causes any contact with the lice to result in their electrocution. This allows diligent combing to eradicate an infestation.

Essential oil shampoos

Another procedure is to shampoo the hair with pure essential oils of two parts tea tree and 1 part peppermint oil. The process is repeated once every two days over a period of eight days.
This procedure needs to be approved by a physician because Tea Tree Oil has been contraindicated for use with pregnant women and small children.

Bugbusting

Bugbusting, involves combing wet hair covered with ordinary hair conditioner using special combs: the conditioner immobilises the lice so they can be detected easily. Used properly, this method appears to be as effective in practice as poison; lice cannot develop resistance to it, and it is economical and safe. But the process is tedious, particularly on curly hair, and must be repeated diligently four times over a two week period to cover the full life cycle of the lice.^[5]

Prevention

Natural oil

Humans' first natural line of defense against head lice is their own natural hair oil. The oil interferes with the louse's ability to cling to hair shafts and lay eggs (which are attached around the hair shaft). Clean hair is therefore more vulnerable to human head lice.

Hairstyle

Ponytails and tight braids tend to reduce the likelihood of acquiring a head lice infestation among those with long hair. Head lice crawl quickly; they cannot fly or leap. Therefore proximity to people who may be infested is not risky, but one must avoid sharing hats, hooded jackets, and hair decorations.
Lice also have a genetic preference to the shape of hair common in their region of origin; African head lice thrive better with oval hair, North American head lice with round hair.

References

1. [1]
2. UC IPM
3. recent study
4. here
5. More information about Bugbusting is available from Community Hygiene Concern, a UK registered charity set up to protect people and pets from parasites.

External links

★ BBC News: Wet Combing Best to Remove Head Lice

★ An old scientific paper

★ How to Get Rid of Lice informational article at wikiHow