There are many misconceptions about head lice, the tiny, brownish-grey insects that infest the human scalp and live on the host’s blood. Many people believe that lice only infest “dirty” people, or that simply killing the adult insects will solve the problem. Neither of these things are true, but the persistence of these rumors often results in embarrassment and mistreatment of head lice infestations.

In reality, head lice are simply insects which, like fleas and other biting insects, live on the host’s blood, in this case from the scalp. Head lice are not found elsewhere on the body. As with most insects, they have a multi-stage life cycle. Female adult lice lay tiny, yellowish-white eggs, called “nits,” on the hair shaft of the host. A sticky residue causes the eggs to bond tightly to the hair, making them difficult to remove. In a week to ten days, these eggs hatch into new lice. One female can produce hundreds of eggs, so an untreated infestation quickly results in hundreds or thousands of insects.

Natural Remedy for Lice

Lice are treated with a variety of solutions. Prescription or over-the-counter treatments usually contain some type of pesticide to kill the adult lice, and require the user to comb out the nits. If any are missed, new lice may hatch, and another treatment may be necessary. An alternative option to pesticide-based treatments may be natural lice remedies, such as that offered by Head Lice Doctors. A natural lice remedy uses botanical extracts rather than pesticides. These extracts affect the central nervous system of the insects, which make them sluggish and easy to kill. Further treatments are necessary after a week to kill any newly-hatched lice, and preventative oil should be used during the treatment to prevent re-infestation. Also, environmental treatment, including washing of all bedding and clothing and vacuuming all upholstery and carpet, will minimize the danger of re-infestation from the surroundings.

While it is impossible to control all the factors surrounding headlice infestations, there are steps that will help prevent lice. Children should be taught not to use each others’ combs, brushes, and headgear. Checking for lice or nits periodically will allow parents to catch infestations early, when they are the most treatable. Frequent vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and bedding will ensure that lice cannot be passed from others to the family through the environment. If an infestation does occur despite precautions, a natural remedy for lice can be used to quickly treat the problem. Even after using natural remedies for lice, preventative monitoring is crucial to avoid future infestations.