3. Olive oil
This home remedy smothers and kills lice but it needs to be applied overnight under a shower cap because lice can survive without breathing for hours. You’ll also have to comb your child’s hair afterward to remove nits, but the olive oil should help loosen them from the hair shafts.
4. Nix, another lice-killing shampoo
Here is another permethrin-containing product that attacks live lice—although some parents have reported that lice seem to have become resistant to it. As with Rid, allergic reactions are possible, so keep a close eye on your kids after application. On damp, shampooed (but not conditioned) hair, saturate your child’s head with the lotion. Leave for 10 minutes, rinse, and comb out nits. Repeat if live lice appear seven or more days after the initial treatment.
5. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Like olive oil, many moms swear by this (other options: styling gel or mayonnaise). The thick jelly suffocates lice by clogging their breathing holes. For best results, coat the hair and scalp, cover it overnight with a shower cap, and wash out the next morning. Comb for nits. Repeat the treatment one week later.
6. Vinegar
Some parents have found that vinegar dissolves the sticky glue that the female louse uses to attach her eggs to hair shafts. Also, Adler says she’s seen that coating the hair with vinegar after using a lice-killing treatment and before combing for nits works well.(White vinegar is recommended.)
7.LouseBuster
Resembling a vacuum cleaner, this device directs heated air toward the hair roots and scalp to dry out lice and their eggs. A 2006 study showed thatthe LouseBusterkilled 98% of nits and 80% of live lice. Although safe and quick (a typical treatment takes only 30 minutes), treatments are only available through certified professional operators.
8. Clean items that have come in contact with your child’s head
To prevent re-infection, wash bedding, hats, scarves and towels in hot water and dry on a hot setting. Soakcombs and brushes in very hot, soapy water. Vacuum floors, pillows, upholstered furniture and car seats. Stow items you can’t wash in a sealed bag for two weeks. Check all household members for lice as well.
9. Hire a nitpicking service
There are actually de-lousing services that specialize in removing head lice. Ask friends, neighbors, your school nurse, or your pediatrician for recommendations for a reliable service in your area, or consult the National Association of Lice Treatment Professionals.
10. Benzyl alcohol lotion 5%
This prescription lotion (brand name Ulesfia) works by paralyzing a louse’s breathing apparatus. Ulesfia can be prescribed for patients 6 months of age and older and at least two applications are needed. (Note: It can cause eye and skin irritation.) To use, saturate dry hair and scalp with the lotion, wait 10 minutes, then rinse. Use a nit comb afterward to help remove nits and dead lice.
11. Cetaphil cleanser
Another product that can be used to treat lice via suffocation is Cetaphil Cleanser. This method has been shown to be 96% effective and has no toxicity. Start by coating the scalp and dry hair with a thick layer of Cetaphil. Once the hair has been saturated, wait two minutes to allow the product to soak in. Using a fine-toothed comb, remove the excess product. Blow dry the hair until it is completely dry (this may take longer than usual). Leave product in for at least eight hours, usually overnight. In the morning, wash hair as usual. This process should be repeated seven and 14 days later.
