Head lice are parasites that can be found on the heads of people. Infection with head lice is called pediculosis.

(The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is different from the lice that cause body and pubic-hair infections.)

People who are concerned about the pesticides in traditional treatments may be interested in a home remedy for head lice. Options include white vinegar, tea tree oil, and oil-based products (such as mayonnaise and olive oil). Pesticide-free treatments are also available over the counter. Home remedies for treating head lice can be just as effective as the traditional methods. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which one is best for you.

Symptoms of head lice can include:

Having an itchy scalp

Seeing red bumps on your child’s scalp and neck

Seeing live lice moving around on your child’s head

Finding nits (lice eggs), which are tiny white oval shaped specks that are attached to the sides of hairs

Home Remedy for Head Lice

Wash them away. Most doctors suggest using a lindane-based shampoo available only by prescription (Kwell is the most popular brand). These shampoos can be dangerous to children under five and shouldn’t be used by pregnant or nursing women or anyone with cuts on his hands or arms. Safer options are available.

Shampoo and condition your hair. Then apply coconut milk.

Rub Vaseline on the scalp and apply on hair thoroughly. Vaseline will suffocate them, but note that it will be very difficult to wash off the Vaseline. It may need about 6 washes. You may rub some corn flour (or plain flour, maida) into the hair before washing the hair.

Rub mayonnaise on the scalp and apply. Note that it will be very difficult to wash off the Vaseline. It may need about 6 washes. You may rub some corn flour (or plain flour, maida) into the hair before washing the hair.

An anti-lice oil can be mixed with coconut (or mustard) oil and 0.2 per cent lindane (BHC) or 0.1 per cent pyrethrum essence. This oil can be rubbed well into the scalp to kill lice. (Ingredients can be purchased from a chemical dealer).

Mix talcum powder with 0.2 per cent prethrum dust in it (or add 10 per cent DDT). Sprinkle this powder on the hair before going to bed and rub it vigorously so that it reaches the roots. Cover your mouth, nose and eyes to protect them from the powder.

Take about 8-10 almonds and grind them to form a paste with 2-3 tsp of limejuice. Apply the paste on the scalp and let it remain for half an hour. Thereafter you can wash your head.

Remove all the nits from the hair shaft. Some preparations kill the nits along with the live bugs, but most schools will not allow a child to return to class until all nits are gone. Also nothing works 100 percent. Leaving nits can lead to re-infestation. You can remove the nits using your fingernails, or by using a nit comb. These can be purchased at any pharmacy, but most lice treatment kits come with a nit comb. Head lice are parasites that can be found on the heads of people. Infection with head lice is called pediculosis.