Comparing Different Nit Combs

If a lice infestation has you scratching your head, click the blog header now for more information on lice and nit eradication!

Although lice infestations can be overwhelming, there are numerous products, such as nit combs, that can aid in lice and nit eradication. Nits refer to lice eggs. The term is broad, and applies to eggs containing embryos, eggs that have hatched, and eggs that are unfertilized. Nits vary in color, from brown to white, and are often mistaken for dandruff or hair spray residue.

Nit removal is challenging because the female louse firmly attaches the nit to the hair shaft with a strong adhesive. First, the female louse lays eggs at an angle, about ¼ an inch from the child’s scalp. Then, the female louse attaches the eggs with a glue-like substance, which is secreted from her reproductive organs. This sheath not only protects the eggs, but also ensures that the nits are steadfastly attached to your child’s hair, thus making nit removal difficult.

One safe, natural tool for nit removal is a nit free comb. Various nit combs are available, although some are more effective than others. For instance, in a clinical double-blind study, one research group tested both plastic and metal nit combs. The experiment used the combs on 27 infested children, and the children’s hair was evenly sectioned. Then, the plastic and metal combs were randomly assigned to either section. After combing, the amount of lice and nits removed were counted and compared. Researchers found that the metal comb was more effective. In 96 percent of the children, the metal comb removed more eggs and lice than the plastic comb.

The most effective nit comb is the Nit Free Terminator Comb. The tool works by effectively ridding children of lice and nits through its patented micro-grooved teeth. Without harming hair, the nit free comb pulls nits away from the hair, injuring them at various locations. When used as directed, the Nit Free Terminator Comb promises to rid 100 percent of nits.

The Nit Free Terminator Comb boasts long teeth, which allow the comb to effectively collect more nits in less combing passes. The comb is designed for use on all hair types, from short to plentiful. Additionally, the nit free comb has a small separation between teeth, which is about the size of a strand of hair. This small separation ensures that even the tiniest nits are collected and safely removed. Finally, the comb is safe for use on the entire family because it can be washed, sterilized, and reused.

Although nit removal can be tedious, it is a vital part of any lice eradication method. To use a nit free comb, first separate the hair into small sections. Partitioning the hair is important because it allows a parent to more easily see both lice and nits. In one hand, hold a small section of hair. In the other, hold the nit free comb, angling the teeth towards the child’s scalp. Inserting the comb as closely to the scalp as possible, slowly and gently pull the comb through the child’s hair. After each pass, check the comb and hair for active lice and nits.

Here at liceinfo.net, you can find natural solutions to age-old lice problems. Simply click the blog header now to begin!

Posted in Nit Treatment

Defining Head Lice

Head lice can be confusing and difficult to eradicate. To learn more about safe treatment options, click the blog header today.

Head lice can be difficult to define, even for parents. For example, even adults may be unaware that a louse is singular for lice. Confusion exists about head lice for numerous reasons. For one, lice carry a stigma. Parents often believe that head lice only infest “dirty” people when, in fact, the insects prefer clean heads. Additionally, no-nit policies at schools make infestations embarrassing for children, even though nits, or lice eggs, refer also to eggs that have already hatched or eggs that will never hatch. This broad definition, which is challenged by some, adds to existing misconceptions about lice. Finally, the CDC does not classify head lice as an official disease. For this reason, it is difficult to determine how many people are affected by head lice annually. Experts believe that anywhere from 12 to 25 million people experience lice infestations every year.

In short, head lice are parasites that only affect humans. Other primates like chimpanzees, have their own types of lice, which are genetically distinct from human head lice. Head lice cannot infest household pets, like dogs and cats. The insects are wingless and live only on the host scalp, where they feed on blood for survival. In addition, head lice have small, stumpy legs with claws on the end, and therefore do not jump either. Lice infestations spread from direct contact, when the insects crawl to a new human scalp. Head lice differ from body lice because they lay their eggs on hair shafts instead of clothing. Head lice are prehistoric, and experts believe that the current human head lice species dates back to 110,000 years ago.

Like other bugs, lice boast three distinctive body parts: a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. On their head, lice have two antennas and two eyes. The insects also have mouth parts, which are specifically designed to easily puncture the human scalp for feeding. On the thorax, lice have six legs. On the end of each leg, head lice have a claw, which allows them to travel around the human scalp on hair shafts. The abdomen boasts numerous breathing holes called spiracles. Like many other insects, male lice are smaller than female lice.

A louse lays nits close to the host’s scalp for warmth and proper development. The precise location of nits is climate and temperature dependent, again ensuring healthy development. A louse attaches the nit to a hair shaft by secreting a glue-like substance. This forms a sheath around the nit, and the sticky material quickly hardens to protect the embryo. Head lice eggs are oval shaped and brown, although after hatching they appear white. Nits are commonly mistaken for dandruff, which can make diagnosis difficult. Hatched nits are referred to as nymphs, which are simply young lice that have not reached sexual maturity.

All head lice exhibit similar behaviors, like feeding, migration, and positioning on the human scalp. For example, lice feed on human blood four to five times per day. Because they are wingless and cannot fly, head lice migrate by crawling to different hair strands. Finally, lice prefer to begin an infestation by inhabiting hair at the nape of the neck, or the hair behind ears, because these areas tend to be warmer.

This article describes head lice. To start an effective treatment plan today, click the blog header

Posted in Head Lice Info

How to Effectively Eradicate Lice

Click the blog header now and learn how to effectively kill lice!

Pediculosis, or head lice, are small insects typically smaller than a sesame seed. Lice do not jump or fly. In fact, lice are most commonly transmitted through direct, head-to-head contact with an infested individual. Lice most commonly affect young, school-aged children. Girls are at a higher risk for infestation because their natural behaviors, like close-contact activities such as cuddling, are ideal for lice spreading. Although no reliable data on lice infestations exists because the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not classify lice as a disease, school officials and doctors estimate that 12 to 25 million lice infestations occur annually in the United States alone.

Lice infestations can occur any time. Contrary to the stigmas associated with lice, the insects actually prefer clean, healthy scalps as their living environment. Lice feed on human blood numerous times a day. A female louse lays eggs, or nits, on hair shafts close to the child’s scalp. Using her reproductive organs, the female louse encases the nit in a protective shell by secreting a glue-like substance. Nits are thus difficult to remove, and proper lice and nit eradication often has parents scratching their heads.

Before deciding on a treatment plan, parents might conduct extensive online research. In this way, parents can compare lice eradication products. Typically, however, parents might first purchase over-the-counter shampoos or cream rinses from a pharmacy. However, these products contain pesticides and insecticides that require careful attention and application. When improperly administered, such products contain chemicals that can burn a child’s sensitive scalp, cause eye irritation, or even alter the texture of a child’s hair. Because these products can be harmful, many parents are now opting for other, safer, and natural solutions for lice eradication.

Online, parents can often find natural, organic lice treatment remedies. Organic lice products are scientifically proven to be as effective as over-the-counter products, although they do not contain harsh chemicals. Such natural solutions are safer than drugstore products, and can offer your family unparalleled and safe lice eradication options.

Before purchasing or starting an all-natural treatment plan, a parent should compare online products by reading consumer reviews. Lice treatments should be safe on a child’s scalp, and one should seek pesticide-free products. Products containing sodium laurel sulfates should also be avoided because these ingredients are harmful to children. After careful research, decide on a treatment method that best meets your child’s needs.

One natural treatment method that effectively kills lice is olive oil. Olive oil works as a smothering agent, clogging the tiny holes in the sides of lice where they breathe. In laboratory tests by the Harvard School of Public Health, olive oil effectively killed live and active lice. Consumers have reported that olive oil actually makes nit removal easier and less painful for the child. The substance also helps heals hair after failed attempts with harsh chemicals. Unlike shampoos and creams, olive oil can be used as a preventative measure if a parent suspects that a child has been exposed to a lice infestation.

Faced with a lice infestation? Click the blog header today to begin a safe treatment plan!

Posted in Lice Treatment Tips

The Facts of Lice

Go from head lice to dead lice today! Click the blog header to get started!

Although lice infest up to 25 million Americans annually, relatively little common knowledge exists about these parasites. The following facts dispel numerous misconceptions and urban myths about head lice:

  1. Head lice prefer clean scalps.

Many parents believe that because their household and children are clean, they are less susceptible to facing lice infestations. In fact, however, lice are attracted to clean scalps, where the insects spend their entire lifetime. Despite cleanliness, everyone is susceptible to a head lice infestation.

  1. Head lice do not infest household animals.

Human Head lice only infest Humans. Regardless, household pets such as dogs and cats cannot contract an infestation. In turn, household animals are not carriers of head lice. Head lice are most typically spread through direct, head-to-head contact. For this reason, children are particularly at risk for infestations. Through normal play, like cuddling and close proximity activities, lice can rapidly assume new hosts.

  1. Head lice are wingless.

Contrary to some myths, head lice cannot fly. In fact, these insects cannot jump, either. Head lice boast six legs with tiny claws. Using these claws, head lice travel quickly from hair shaft to hair shaft. However, the claws are only effective on the scalp. For example, even on stable surfaces, head lice have a difficult time maneuvering.

  1. Head lice can only survive on the human scalp.

Head lice are parasites, and feed on human blood four to five times a day. Unlike other common parasites like fleas and body lice, head lice cannot survive on carpets or clothing, or bedding. In addition, head lice spend their entire lifecycle on the human scalp.

  1. Over-the-counter lice treatments might be dangerous.

Referred to as pediculicides, shampoos and cream rinses are the most commonly used lice eradication products. However, these products contain pesticides and insecticides, and must be carefully administered. If left on the scalp for too long, children might be overexposed to the chemicals. In addition, pediculicides might result in allergic reactions, such as rashes or burning. Some serious neurological side effects have also been reported in some children, including seizures.

  1. Head lice are forming immunity and resistance to drugstore shampoos and creams.

Researchers at The Harvard School of Public Health have confirmed that head lice are forming resistance to pediculicidal shampoos. Entomologists warn that all insects can form immunities to insecticides over time. According to experts, the resistance of head lice to common treatment methods is a form of survival of the fittest, where a species slowly evolves. Such immunities occur gradually, and a product that works in some areas may become obsolete in others.

  1. Smothering agents are as effective as shampoos in killing lice.

Smothering agents such as butter, Vaseline, and olive oil literally smother lice by clogging their breathing holes. Olive oil is scientifically proven to be the best smothering agent available. Other smothering agents, like butter and mayonnaise, spoil easily and have a repelling smell. Some, like Vaseline, are difficult to remove from a child’s hair. By contract, olive oil is safe and all natural. When properly applied, olive oil effectively kills lice and nits. The substance also conditions hair and makes nit removal easier. Unlike shampoos, olive oil has little, if any, known side effects.

Still scratching your head over lice infestations? Follow the blog header to learn more from the experts at Liceinfo.net!

Posted in Lice Facts

Why Pediculicides Might Do More Harm than Good

Avoid using insecticides to treat head lice. Click the blog header to find out more!

Head lice infest over 12 million Americans each year. While typical treatment options implement drugstore shampoos and cream rinses, these products, if not properly administered, can be dangerous. These products contain pediculicides, or pesticides used to kill head lice. The insecticides in such shampoos are powerful, and pregnant or nursing women, very young children, and the elderly should avoid them. Pediculicides might cause side effects in your child, including hair damage, burning eyes, and serious scalp irritation. Parents must be careful when using pediculicides on their child. For example, leaving the product on the scalp for too long or using more than the instructed amount can overexpose children to toxins. Sensitive children might develop an allergic reaction to pediculicides; therefore, parents must follow the product’s instructions exactly. In addition, experts recommend that parents consult their pediatrician before starting any pediculicide treatment regimen.

Aside from their potential hazards, head lice are also forming resistance to certain pediculicides. Top entomologists note that over time, any insect can become immune to pesticides. Therefore, not surprisingly, health officials, parents, and school nurses have all reported that pediculicides are sometimes no longer effective. According to experts, head lice are adapting due to the priciples of natural selection and survival of the fittest.. However, pesticide resistance does not occur all at once. Instead, it occurs in differing populations, meaning that a particular pediculicide might be effective in some regions and not in others. Therefore, using pediculicides alone might not eradicate your child’s lice infestation.

Of particular concern are pediculicides containing Lindane. Lindane is a pesticide currently approved for use in head lice and scabies treatments. However, in 2006 the pesticide was banned for use in crops. Today, over 52 countries, most recently Mexico, no longer use Lindane in head lice products. In fact, Lindane is so potent that it is not used on pets, either.

Lindane lotions and shampoos might cause serious side effects, ranging from headaches, seizures, and other neurological disorders. Overexposer to Lindane might even affect the immune system, cause cancer, and disrupt natural hormones. Despite this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still approves the use of the chemical Lindane in head lice products, although not without warnings. For instance, the FDA has black-boxed the product, meaning that Lindane is classified as a second-line treatment option. In other words, parents and doctors should try safer products, called first-line treatments, before resorting to Lindane. If children cannot tolerate the first-line treatment pediculicides, or if treatment is unsuccessful, then Lindane is approved for use.

When prescribed, Lindane products should be carefully administered. A patient should never receive more Lindane than needed for a single, one-time treatment. Regardless of such precautions, however, experts have concluded that Lindane users are at a high risk for neurological damage or even death, especially the very young, those with depressed immune systems, and the elderly.

With such alarming developments, many parents are seeking natural treatment alternatives for their children. One effective alternative is using smothering agents; olive oil is the safest and most trusted. When used along with a nit free comb, olive oil can successfully and naturally kill lice infestations.

Right here at Liceinfo.net, you can get quality, all-natural lice treatment options. Simply click the blog header now to see more!

Posted in Nit Treatment

How to use Natural Lice Remedies

Liceinfo.net offers all-natural lice treatment options. To start today, click the blog header!

Lice typically infest young children at school, in playgrounds, or in daycares. Because of no-nit policies, lice are not only a nuisance, but are also embarrassing for children. No-nit policies keep lice infested children out of school, forcing them to miss class. In some instances, children have missed so much school that they are required to repeat a grade level. While pediatricians and school nurses alike have encouraged schools to drop their no-nit policies, little has changed and most schools still implement the no-nit rules.

However, lice infestations can be prevented and safely treated. School nurses encourage parents to routinely check for lice in their children, especially if the child experiences persistent scalp itching. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lice treatment with pesticide cream rinses, others disagree, claiming that special combs and natural remedies are not only more effective, but safer as well.

For instance, pediculicides are the active pesticides found in cream rinses, shampoos, and other conventional methods used to treat lice infestations. Such products actually contain insecticides, like pyrethrin, permethrin malathion or lindane. Because of this, creams and shampoos should always be carefully administered to avoid harmful side effects, which range from headaches to seizures. Misusing the products or leaving them on your child’s scalp for longer than instructed can also overexpose children to the chemicals. In addition, children with already-existing allergies have a higher risk of developing allergies to pediculicides.

In addition, research has shown that lice are building a resistance to certain pediculicides because they have been available on the market for so long. Entomologists believe that over time, any insect can form a resistance to pesticides. For this reason, many parents are choosing all-natural lice treatment remedies to eradicate lice.

One popular, effective, and all-natural method for killing lice is coupling a smothering agent, like olive oil, with a nit comb. Smothering agents effectively kill lice by blocking the insects’ breathing holes. Mayonnaise, butter, and Vaseline are all smothering agents, although some are more effective than others. For instance, mayonnaise and butter are strong smelling, and children might be upset by their odor. In addition, thicker smothering agents are difficult to remove from the child’s hair, and might even spoil if left on the scalp for too long.

By contrast, olive oil is a natural and painless smothering agent. In fact, some users claim that the product actually conditions their child’s hair during treatment. Unlike shampoos and cream rinses, olive oil can be administered repeatedly if necessary. In addition, olive oil has few, if any, known allergic side effects, making it a safe alternative to pediculicides. When properly administered, olive oil has been laboratory proven to kill lice infestations.

Nit combs are also vital in lice eradication. Nits, or lice eggs, are typically laid close to the scalp and attached to the hair shaft with a hard, glue-like adhesive. For this reason, nits are notoriously difficult to remove. However, metal nits combs with long teeth can remove nits relatively painlessly. These combs, like the nit free comb, have small gaps between their teeth for effective nit removal.

For natural lice eradication methods, click the blog header!

Posted in Lice Treatment Tips

Lice and their Origins

Here at liceinfo.net, you can find all the lice information needed for lice eradication. To start now, click the blog header.

Lice have origins dating back to prehistory, and early recorded history contains accounts of lice infestations. Lice do not spontaneously appear, and are not found in dust. Like other species, head lice result from breeding. Head lice infest humans, so pets like dogs and cats cannot contract or spread infestations. The term “nit picking” originated from the practice of meticulously inspecting each hair shaft for a nit, in the process of removing head lice.

Head lice are usually contracted through direct, head-to-head contact with an infested person. Young children attending school between the ages of three and nine are most susceptible to lice infestations. This is due to the fact that young children play in close contact, especially girls, who sometimes cuddle. As a result, an infested child’s family is also at risk for infestation.

Regardless, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that lice infest over 12 million people in the United States annually. Some experts estimate much higher infestation statistics, with head lice affecting about 25 million people in the USA annually. This discrepancy is due to the fact that the CDC and health officials do not consider head lice a disease. Therefore, lice cases are difficult to accurately track, and most data comes from schools and local school nurses.

Lice have a lifespan of approximately one month. Lice lay eggs, or nits, close to the child’s scalp. However, exact egg laying behavior is climate dependant; the warmer the climate, the further down the hair shaft eggs is laid. A female louse attaches the nits to hair shafts with a glue-like adhesive, making nit removal difficult.

Over time, lice are beginning to form immunities to pediculicides, which are products used to kill lice that contain insecticides. Entomologists claim that head lice are becoming drug resistant, and conventional lice treatments like pediculicide shampoos and creams are losing their effectiveness. In short, head lice are evolving, forming such resistance as a form of survival of the fittest. Pediculicide resistance occurs gradually, which creates confusion. For instance, a shampoo that works on one child might not work on another child in the same community. Therefore, experts believe that relying only on pediculicides might not fully eradicate a lice infestation in one’s child.

Interestingly enough, lice in the United States prefer clean and healthy scalps to dirty ones. Also, lice infestations affect African Americans much less than caucasians. Scientists believe that a louse’s claw is more suitable for the size and shape of caucasian hair shafts. Although lice have formed drug-resistant qualities, they have not physically evolved much in the United States.

Despite lice’s growing immunities, other treatment options exist that are scientifically proven to eradicate lice infestations. One popular, all-natural method is using olive oil to smother lice. Olive oil not only kills lice, but it also conditions the child’s hair. Experts also recommend a treatment plan including a nit free comb. Such combs are metal with long teeth, and effectively remove even the tiniest nits.

Faced with a head lice infestation? Click the blog header now and learn how to eliminate the pests!

Posted in Lice Facts

The Importance of Nit Combs

Here at liceinfo.net, you can find answers to all your lice questions. Get started today by clicking the blog header!

As lice infestations persist, there are numerous treatment options available. For instance, one might employ pediculicide creams, prescribed medicated shampoos, or natural methods such as olive oil. Regardless of the lice eradication method chosen, nit combs are a vital part of completely eradicating your child’s lice infestation. When used meticulously and properly, the best nit combs can free your child of both lice and nits, or lice eggs.

Nit combs are important because adult lice are often more difficult to kill. For this reason, choosing the best nit comb is imperative. Removing nits ensures that new lice colonies do not form, and reduces an infestation from multiplying. For example, female lice can lay approximately 150 nits during their lifespan. Although only 67% of lice reach adulthood, they multiply quickly. Fertile lice can produce over 100 live lice, while five pairs of lice can easily produce over 250 nymphs, or young lice. With stubborn and extensive infestation, manual nit picking is nearly impossible. Therefore, one must employ a nit comb.

When choosing a nit comb, metal combs that are long and sturdy are preferred. The gap between the teeth should be tiny so that even the smallest nits do not slip between the teeth. Experts recommend that the gap between lice comb teeth should be no bigger than a single hair strand. In addition, it is advisable to purchase a comb that can be sterilized and reused to treat one’s entire household; such preventative measures reduce the possibility of re-infestation.

As stated, metal combs are preferred because they are durable and can even be heated. When compared to plastic nit combs, metal combs are more effective. For instance, James Cook University scientists preformed a blind study, comparing metal and plastic combs. Researchers tested 27 children, dividing each child’s hair into two sections. The metal comb and the plastic comb were randomly assigned to these two sections. After combing, researchers counted the amount of lice and nits extracted from the combs. In a staggering 96% of children, the metal comb removed three to four times more lice and nits, ranging from dead, hatched, to alive. The scientists concluded that the metal comb was much more effective than the plastic comb in the study.

The most effective nit comb available is the Nit Free TERMINATOR Comb. The comb meets all of the scientifically-proven requirements. For example, the Nit Free TERMINATOR Comb has long teeth, which allow the comb to remove more nits with less combing passes. The comb is equally effective for all hair types, and the gap between the teeth is smaller than even the tiniest nits. This ensures that nits, which are firmly attached to hair shafts with a thick adhesive, are removed from your child’s hair. When used as instructed, the comb actually removes even stubborn nits without tugging or cutting hair. The Nit Free TERMINATOR Comb also has an anti-slip handle, allowing a parent precise control when using the tool. The comb is designed for use alone or with other products, and can be cleaned and reused to treat the entire family.

Click the blog header now to learn more about effective lice treatment options!

Posted in Nit Treatment

Understanding Head Lice

Liceinfo.net has all the answers and facts about lice, including the most effective treatment options. Click the blog header now to learn more!

Head lice live their entire life on the human scalp, feeding only on blood from the host’s scalp. Commonly misunderstood, lice cannot infest household pets, and they cannot jump, fly, or even hop. Instead, these insects—which boast six legs and small claws—crawl around the human scalp via hair shafts. Infestations are spread by direct contact with an infested person, usually through head-to-head contact, where the lice assume a new host.

As insects, lice have distinguishing biological features, such as a head with one antenna pair, a thorax with six legs and claws, and an abdomen with seven ligaments. Female and male lice differ slightly in appearance, with male lice having larger front legs designed for copulation. Female lice are slightly larger than the males.

Lice lay eggs, or nits, on the human host’s scalp. These eggs range in color from white to light brown, and they are small and oval shaped. A female louse lays eggs near the scalp, although the exact location is temperature dependant. For instance, in warmer temperatures, nits are laid as much as an inch further down the hair shaft than in cooler climates. The female louse attaches nits to hair stands with a strong adhesive substance, which quickly hardens into a sheath that protects the nit. Experts believe that embryos develop and hatch within nine days, although the hatching time also correlates with temperature. Once hatched, the nymph, or young louse, leaves behind the nit, which then turns white in color.

The term “nit” has created some debate among scientists because of its broad definition. Nits refer to hatched eggs, fertilized eggs, and empty eggs that will never hatch. This term has caused controversy in “no nit policy” schools, where infested children are not allowed to return to school until all nits are removed. Since only fertilized nits pose a threat to other students, the “no nit policy” has been met with strong opposition.

For one, the American Academy of Pediatrics has urged schools to end no-nit policies, although many schools still implement them, forcing students to miss classes. In addition, no-nit policies are embarrassing for schoolchildren already facing a highly stigmatized lice infestation. Under no-nit policies, some children have been forced to repeat a grade because they have missed too many classes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents check their children for lice periodically, especially when the child experiences persistent scratching behavior. If lice are discovered in the classroom, the American Academy of Pediatrics also argues that children should be sent home at the end of the day to reduce embarrassment and negative attention.

Contrary to popular belief, anyone is susceptible to lice infestations. In fact, lice prefer clean scalps as living environments. The most at-risk group for infestation is children between three and nine. Lice are commonly contracted in daycares, elementary schools, on play dates, or preschool. Young children are most at risk because they play in close contact with other, as lice are typically transmitted through head-to-head contact. If faced with an infestation, parents should employ an olive oil and a nit free comb regimen to kill both lice and nits.

If faced with a lice infestation, do not delay treatment! Follow the blog header now to eradicate lice today!

Posted in Head Lice Info

Olive Oil is the Best Lice Smothering Agent

The experts at liceinfo.net strive to make lice and nit removal as simple as possible. To rid your child of lice today, click the blog header.

Conventionally, lice infestations have been treated with pediculicides, or products such as shampoos that contain pesticides. While typically effective, these products carry numerous side effects, such as burning, rashes, headaches, or, in serious cases, seizures and subsequent hospitalization. Equally alarming, lice are forming a resistance to pediculicides. According to experts, insects can form immunity to pesticides over time. Consumers and scientists alike have claimed that pediculicides are no longer as effective. In addition, repeated infestations also occur due to pediculicide misapplication and the failure to use a nit comb. While such facts might have parents scratching their heads, natural treatment options are becoming more popular.

One of the most popular natural lice eradication methods is smothering agents. Smothering agents, such as butter and mayonnaise, kill lice by blocking their breathing holes. However, some smothering agents can be difficult to properly administer, and might even be traumatic for children. For instance, butter and Vaseline are thick and difficult to remove from a child’s hair. Children might dislike the smell of butter and mayonnaise. These smothering agents are not only odorous, but they can create problems if left on the hair for too long. If the agents turn rancid, removal becomes even more challenging. One should avoid baby oil and other mineral oils because they can actually damage hair during treatment.

Unlike other smothering agents, olive oil is considered the most effective natural remedy for killing lice infestations. When used with a nit comb, the process can effectively and safely rid a child of lice. Olive oil has few, if any, known allergic reactions, and the oil is easily attainable. When administered as instructed, olive oil is not only effective, but it is non-toxic and even conditions a child’s hair during the procedure.

Consumers claim that olive oil actually makes the nit removal process, both manually and with a comb, easier. Pediculicides dry out one’s hair, and as discussed, they are often ineffective. If a pediculicide treatment fails, many parents turn to smothering agents instead. When using olive oil after a failed pediculicide treatment, parents report that the substance moisturizes their child’s hair, aiding in more healthy hair. Olive oil can even be used as a preventative treatment method if a child has been exposed to head lice. Furthermore, unlike shampoos and creams, olive oil can be used repeatedly for stubborn infestations.

In addition, using smothering agents such as olive oil can actually prolong the effectiveness of pediculicides. As more parents turn to natural lice treatment remedies, shampoos are used less often, meaning that lice’s exposure to pediculicides is reduced. In this way, olive oil aids in preserving pediculicides.

Olive oil is most effective when coupled with a nit comb. Nits are lice eggs, and they are difficult to remove because they are firmly attached to hair shafts close to the scalp. Metal combs are the most effective nit tools. A parent should purchase a nit comb that is easy to control and that boasts small gaps between the teeth. These small gaps ensure that the comb will remove even tiny nits.

Click the blog header now to learn more about lice eradication.

Posted in Lice Treatment Tips