Treatment of human lice: Difference between revisions

Hunting lice by candlelight by Andries Both, ca 1630 (National Gallery, Budapest)

Human head lice can be killed by a 1% permethrin or pyrethrin (neuro-toxic) lice shampoo, but the hair must be combed with a fine-toothed comb after treatment to remove the nits. In the Western world resistance to commercially available anti-lice shampoos is increasing strongly. In some countries, such as the UK, resistance is so strong that many families do not know what to do anymore.

Shampoos based on Neem seed extracts can also be efficient if used properly. Indeed Neem extracts interfere with the reproductive cycle of the lice. Contrary to the commercially available pediculocide shampoos, Neem based shampoos (at least 0.6 % Azadirachtin present) do not have a knock-down (killing) effect and do not interfere with the CNS of both the lice and the person under treatment (the last if large amounts are used).

Head lice do not survive in bedding and clothing, so it is generally safe to use these items. However, it is a good precaution to wash bedding and clothing in hot water which may have come into contact with an infected person.

One alternative to insecticidal treatments, particularly where resistance is common, is to use an electric comb such as the RobiComb. Alternating teeth carry a high voltage (though the developable current is small, and so the device is safe). Fine combing causes any contact with the lice to result in their electrocution. This allows diligent combing to eradicate an infestation.

Another alternative is shampooing with pure essential oils of 2 parts tea tree and 1 part peppermint oil. Repeat the process once every two days applying the oils liberally for 8 days. This treatment normally produces a warm and tingling relief to itching and discomfort. Applying the mixture to pubic/anal and underarm areas is recommended.

Another alternative, called Bugbusting, involves combing wet hair covered with ordinary hair conditioner using special combs: the conditioner immobilises the lice so they can be detected easily. Used properly, this method appears to be as effective in practice as poison; lice cannot develop resistance to it, and it is economical and safe. But the process is tedious, particularly on curly hair, and must be repeated diligently four times over a two week period to cover the full life cycle of the lice. More information about Bugbusting is available from Community Hygiene Concern, a UK registered charity set up to protect people and pets from parasites.

Lindane (1%), another pediculocide, is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or for children less than 2 years old.

Another alternative that has been proven successful in a research study is Nuvo lotion for head lice. This treatment does not require a nit removal comb.

Ultimate treatment

Combing, or nitpicking is a particularly effective method for removal of lice without the use of any medicine, special shampoos, or meticulous visual inspections.

A fine-toothed comb can remove all but nits.

A special comb, as pictured, can remove nymphs and adult lice, but not their eggs. A white comb will contrast with the vermin to make inspecting and cleaning the comb easier.

The combing treatment requires a measure of patience, though not so much as the chemical treatments which generally require at least three weeks of treatment. Combing, by contrast, takes approximately 10 days.

Three times per day (preferably, right after you wake up, noon and before you sleep), you must 'scan' your hair with the comb completely, three times, and at each pass of the comb, carefully inspect the comb to remove possible adult lice and nymphs (using water, or by blowing at the comb), then continue combing. It may help to wet the hair before combing.[1]

This technique works because the comb removes the nymphs and the adult lice, but not the nits. Thus, by combing your hair 3 times per day, you make sure you have removed all the adult lice you have on your hair, PLUS all the nymphs which were going to grow up into adults, thus you only have nits (lice eggs) on your head. The next day, some of the nits will have transformed into nymphs, and thus you remove all of the newly-transformed nymphs, before they get the chance to become adults and thus lay eggs (because only adults can lay eggs). Therefore, since the nits take 7-9 days to become nymphs, and you remove every nymph from your head every day, you just wait until the last-laid nit becomes a nymph (that's the ninth day after you have started this treatment), and remove it. Continue for one more day for good measure.

External links

• BBC News: Wet Combing Best to Remove Head Lice