Head lice Treatments, which should I use?
Posted On May 19, 2009 at 11:29 am in Headlice
When it comes to getting rid of a head lice infection there is a diverse range of treatments available. These include the use of chemical preparations and a wide range of alternative treatments and methodologies. You can even pay someone else to do the job for you.
When it comes to which treatment to choose the actual choice will depend on your inclination and fortitude for the task. The manual removal of head lice by ‘ bug busting’ using a fine toothed nit comb, otherwise known as wet combing, is both painstaking and time consuming. It involves getting up really close and personal – and the treatment has to be repeated several times in order to ensure all the head lice and nits are removed.
There are a range of chemical ( basically insecticide) preparations widely available, either over the counter or on prescription. These are widely advertised as being effective and simple to apply – although the instructions for use sometimes seem complicated and most need repeat applications. Some of these are not suitable for very young children and others may be contraindicated if there is known health problem.
These days people are much more informed and knowledgeable and therefore wary about the potential short and long term effects of chemicals. Many parents turn to non chemical solutions for treating head lice ,and not just for health and environmental reasons. Head lice have been with us since time began, they are survivors and it has been proven that over a period of prolonged exposure they can become resistant to individual chemicals preparations.
Non-chemical herbal and organic head lice products are based on herbal or plant ingredients. These are often marketed as ‘natural’. These usually contain a combinations of herbs and essential oils in the form of shampoos, lotions or sprays which claim to eradicate and prevent or repel further infections by head lice by ‘natural’ means. However, some have ingredients added to either promote foaming, improve the smell or colour, or extend shelf life. These additives may in themselves be a risk to health, or be contraindicated where there is an pre-existing health problem such as asthma, skin problems or epilepsy.
It is possible to buy botanic or ‘natural’ products based on traditional herbal and plant remedies which claim not to contain any chemicals, artificial colouring or animal derived ingredients. Interestingly, in common with most other alternative treatments it is advised that these are used in conjunction with wet combing. Many health experts while not dismissing alternative treatments out of hand, do not endorse them, mainly on the grounds that to date there has not been any no empirical research to support the claims being made.
For parents who don’t have the time or inclination to get rid of nits themselves or, who are frustrated because despite their best efforts the nasty nits and horrible head lice keep coming back the solution could lie in a totally hands off approach – their own hands that is. A company called Hairforce provides a unique a unique nit and head lice treatment hand clearing service either on their premises or by home visits. Further more they undertake to make the experience relaxing and enjoyable for both children and parents.