Parents especially moms get much worried on finding their children with head lice infestation. They never like to see their children scratching their heads with their finger nails. They want to get this head lice infestation treated on the priority basis. Having little knowledge in this regard confuses them about what to do and what not to do. They often keep wondering whether or not certain things like vinegar or may ask an expert does alcohol kill lice? Sometimes, they are for the natural homemade remedies while at some other times, they think they should go with proper medication. Realizing the intensity of the matter, we have worked out a guideline for the caring moms to get their children rid of head lice infestation and secure the health of the whole family. Here we go.
There are actually three ways or options to treat head lice infestation in children as well as in adults. The first one includes all over-the-counter products that you may get without a proper prescription from an authentic doctor. The second one involves all what you get against the proper prescription from a regular doctor or pharmacist. This is called prescribed medication and the substances bought are called pediculicides, for the infection is called pediculosis. The third one includes all the natural homemade remedies being used by our seniors over the centuries all across the globe.
As per the instructions of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an ideal treatment is “completely safe, free of harmful chemicals, readily available without a prescription, easy to use and inexpensive.” It has also been observed that all the three options have their own efficacies and have proven effective at their respective levels. It must also be kept in mind that no method of treatment is 100% perfect. All have a few discrepancies. The truth is, ‘All is good till it works well for you’. However, a few precautions must be undertaken no matter whatever option you go with.
- Try to use over-the-counter products first of all and then move to prescription medication if you find the former treatment ineffective or you have potential allergy to the OTC products.
- A number of pediculicides or other insecticides are known toxic to humans and must be used with caution as directed on their labels. This is in perfect accord with the instructions from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- Whatever chemical you choose, do follow the dosing instructions correctly and better consult with your health care provider before you go for it.
- Having applied the chemical products like shampoos and conditioners containing insecticides, you must rinse the scalp and hair well with cool water to minimize exposure to the toxic elements found in them, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society.
- Never expose your skin or that of your child to the chemicals other than the parts infested with head lice.
- If you are treating your child under the age of two years, never place it in the bath tub. Instead, you must rinse the treatment out of the hair over a sink.
