Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Blog
Get Rid of Head Lice Naturally
Posted on by Paula Gallagher
I don’t think there is anything that parents fear most, than their children coming home with head lice. Just thinking about is making my skin crawl! Unfortunately, millions of kids contract these teeny tiny blood sucking lice every year.
Head lice lay tiny teardrop-shaped, whitish eggs in shells called nits. The nits attach to individual hairs with a tough, gluey cement, making them impossible to remove with ordinary shampooing. After a seven- to 10-day incubation period, the nits hatch, leaving behind a dull gray casing. They mature within a week and start the cycle again.
Lice are very contagious and spread through direct contact. So when kids lie together or touch heads, or when their toys touch or when they share hair brushes lice can be spread easily. And, then guess what…they spread it all over the house when they come home.
Although lice do not carry disease, they are super itchy and uncomfortable for those that are affected.
Since fall seems to be the time of year that lice spread, here are some handy tips to help decrease the likelihood of your child bringing them home.
- Remind your child not to share anything that touches their head – from hats to headphones.
- Use a shampoo containing fatty acids such as coconut oil or tea tree oil.
- Do weekly louse screenings. Part your child’s hair and examine her scalp in a strong light. Check for tiny white glistening eggs or gray casings that are hard to dislodge. If your child has them, check everyone in the house and inform the school.
- Shave their head…just kidding! Luckily there are less drastic treatments!
- Choose a natural lice treatment like Well in Hand Nit Kit (you can pick it up at the pharmacy). You must use a nit comb to dislodge lice and nits. Disinfect the comb afterward. Because most products don’t work on both nits and lice, repeat the treatment seven to nine days later to get newly hatched lice. Recheck frequently for another two to three weeks. Always read instructions carefully.
- Wash anything your child’s head has touched, including linens, towels, and clothing in very hot water, and then dry in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Store brushes and head gear that can’t be washed in plastic bags for several days or in the freezer. In winter, store the items outside for 24 hours.
- Vacuum rugs, upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, and car seats. Since head lice can’t live for more than a day or two without a host, concentrate on your child’s scalp rather than on the house.
← Older Post
Newer Post →
Categories
Humanized Health - NEW!
Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:
Our Bloggers
-
Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
read more.. -
Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
read more.. -
Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
read more.. -
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
read more.. -
Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
read more.. -
Teri Cochrane
Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
read more.. -
Dr. Rav Ivker
Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
read more.. -
Susan Levin
Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
read more.. -
Dr. Rob Brown
Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
read more..
Invalid password
Enter