Imagine a world where more than 100 million people annually are affected by a common but irritating issue, lice. The issue is particularly prevalent among children aged 3-11. This article provides useful information about lice and ways to combat them.
The Three Types of Lice
The human body can host three types of lice: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice. This article focuses on explaining head lice, their lifecycle, and some treatments you could consider.
Head Lice: A Close-up
Head lice find a home on the human scalp, as they feed on blood. For food, warmth, shelter, and moisture, they live close to the scalp. They feed every three to six hours by sucking blood and injecting saliva.
The Lifecycle of a Louse
A female louse is a potent egg producer. She can lay five to six eggs each day for a period of 30 days. The eggs take approximately nine to ten days to hatch.
Treatments for Head Lice
There are a variety of treatments available to combat head lice. They range from natural remedies to commercial products. One must exercise caution and not use products designed to treat animal parasites on humans, as they pose severe health risks.
Natural Remedies
- White Vinegar: Create a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water and apply it to your hair.
- Baking Soda: Apply baking soda directly to the scalp and massage in circular motions.
- Essential Lavender Oil: Add lavender oil to a spray bottle of water and apply to your hair.
- Mayonnaise: Apply mayonnaise to your hair to suffocate the lice and their eggs.
- Coconut Oil: Apply coconut oil to your hair and leave it overnight to suffocate the lice.
Commercial Products
Several over-the-counter products are available for treating head lice. Effective products include those with plant resin. These have been tested and approved by the University of Tours and Duhot laboratories.
Products like Puressentiel Anti-Lice Pouxdoux Shampoo, Marie-Rose Extra Strong Anti-Lice Lotion, Balépou Pediakid anti-lice and nits shampoo, and Pouxit anti-lice and nits shampoo are generally available.