Health officials, including Nancy Wessenberg, a public health nurse of 40 years, have reported that head lice are becoming resistant to the pesticides in chemical treatment products. With an estimated six to 12 million cases cases of lice infestation in the U.S. alone each year, parents and schools have begun to look for alternative treatment options.
Facts About Head Lice
Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that infest the scalp and hair. Lice infestation, known clinically as pediculosis and unofficially as "cooties," is highly contagious. Lice spread easily from one host to another through close contact. Lice are species-specific. That means humans and other animals will not spread lice between them. The species of lice that infest humans (Pediculus humanus capitis) feed on human blood. A louse cannot live without its host for more than a couple of days.
Once head lice have been killed via one of the non-toxic methods below, the eggs (known as nits) must be removed from the hair with a fine-tooth comb and clothing and bedding must be treated with heat by ironing or using a hot clothes drying machine.
Pesticide-Free Lice Treatment Products and Recipes
Recipes for lice-killing essential oils include ingredients such as tea tree oil, oregano, lavender, cinnamon leaf, as well as smothering ingredients such as mayonnaise and coconut oil. Fairy Tales Lice Good-Bye is an enzyme-based shampoo with natural, organic ingredients that dissolve nit "glue" and aid in removing lice and nits (fairytaleshaircare.com).
Lice-Out is a herbal remedy, free of harsh chemicals and pesticides, for quick and lasting removal of lice and nits (lice-out.com).
Nuvo (Cetaphil lotion) is a method for treating head lice in which Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser lotion is applied and dried to the scalp to suffocate, by "shrinkwrapping" lice in dried lotion. Dermatology specialist Dale Pearlman, M.D. created the Nuvo Method for Treating Head Lice and demonstrated a 96 percent effective rate in a research study published in the September 2004 issue of Pediatrics. See Dr. Pearlman's Nuvo treatment Instructions (nuvoforheadlice.com).
Ulesfia (benzyl alcohol, 5 percent) is a prescription medication that kills head lice through asphyxiation. Normally, lice close their breathing spiracles when in contact with liquids, which allows them to survive for hours without breathing. However, the benzyl alcohol in Ulesfia prevents lice from closing their spiracles. Inactive ingredients include purified water, mineral oil, sorbitan monooleate, polysorbate 80, carbomer 934P and trolamine (drugs.com/ulesfia).
As lice become increasingly resistant to chemical treatments, people are turning to these non-toxic and pesticide-free alternatives such as herbal remedies, enzyme-based solutions, and non-pesticide products. To prevent reinfestation, use a fine-tooth comb to completely remove eggs and treat clothing and bedding with heat.
References:
Reed, Wenda. "Getting Lice Out the Non-toxic Way." Seattle's Child, May 2010.
Pearlman, Dale. "Nuvo Method for Treating Head Lice." Nuvoforheadlice.com.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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