Natual Head Lice Treatments: A Safer Alternative

So you received the dreaded notice from the school nurse that your child has head lice. If your experience is anything like mine, then you are probably have more questions than answers. A quick trip to the store may have seemed like a great idea at first, but there you stand with plastic comb held firmly in one hand and a bottle of lice treatment in the other. You are beginning to doubt your ability to get all of those critters out of your child’s hair before the next school day. Time is not on your side and this the last way that you had imagined you would spend your evening after a long day of work.
Does this sound familiar? Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon scenario and right now there are many families feeling the same frustration that you feel right now. To make matters worse, that traditional over-the-counter product that you just purchased from the pharmacy probably lacks effectiveness may even contain potentially harmful insecticides and pesticides called pediculicides.
The National Pediculosis Association (NPA) published an interesting article about the dangers of using traditional over the counter head lice treatments. Here is a summary of some of the reasons:

1. Children of all ages are vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides found in most of these products that are found in pharmacies.

2. Pregnant or nursing mothers who apply traditional products to children’s hair can be taking unnecessary risk.

3. Overuse of these over the counter lice products can predispose someone to have an adverse reaction – even with one additional exposure.

4. Because these products are not 100% effective, people will overuse them out of frustration and as a result increase their exposure to these chemicals.

The key to an effective head lice treatment is to stay informed and to be very persistent. A growing number of professional head lice salons have responded by offering professional “nit picking” services.
Many have tried unsuccessfully to treat head lice using on their own and are feeling helpless because they cannot seem to get control of the situation. The most effect way to remove head lice is to comb the lice eggs (or “nits”) out each strand of hair at a time and to use products that contain essential oils that lice find offensive.

While head lice are more of a nuisance than a hazard, reports of infestations are on the rise. Early detection and professional treatment are key to a successful treatment.