Head Lice

Lice infestation on the human body (also known as pediculosis) is very common. Cases number in the hundreds of millions worldwide. Lice die if they are away from a human's head or body for more than 2 days.

These nits, which resemble dandruff, are attached with a gluelike, water-insoluble substance that makes them difficult to remove. After 6-10 days, the nits hatch as nymphs and become adults in 10 days. Adult lice live about 30 days on their human hosts. Children aged 3-10 years in preschool, elementary school, or daycare centers are most likely to have lice. All socioeconomic classes are affected. Lice can appear in anyone's hair (more common in girls than boys), no matter what hair length or the person's degree of cleanliness. 

Head lice are transmitted mainly through head-to-head contact (sharing pillows, lying on carpet, wearing someone's hat). Head lice cannot jump or fly, so sitting near someone will not transmit lice. Indirect contact, such as with brushes and bed linens, is less likely to lead to transmission because the louse dies if away from the scalp for more than 2 days.

Lice can effectively be treated with home care methods. But call the doctor if these conditions develop: If skin or scalp infections develop from scratching, with symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness to the area If home treatment doesn't work after using over-the-counter medications as directed If itching continues even after treatment with over-the-counter antihistamines If lice persist and treatment has failed, recheck for a change in anti-lice treatment  

Self-Care at Home: Search for head lice when hair is wet. Use a fine-toothed comb (or a louse comb), clear tape (to stick on hair to pick up nits), a magnifying glass, and a strong light. Wet combing should be done every 2-3 days over a 2-week period, with small sections of hair, working out from the scalp. Some call this "bug busting," and it can be very effective. If lice are found, treat with an anti-lice agent and repeat in 7-10 days to kill newly hatched nits.

Aromatherapy Treatments:

A number of essential oils are reputed to help to combat lice and Eucalyptus combined with Tea Tree makes a powerful combination. Eucalyptus is reputed to have excellent bactericidal properties as well as being a strong insect deterrent. Tea Tree is said to have great antiseptic properties and is powerful against organisms, bacteria, fungi and viruses. The best way to use the oils is to dilute them in carrier oil - apply to the scalp and leave overnight if possible before combing through the hair with a fine toothed comb to remove the eggs and lice.

Keep treating the hair until no evidence of lice is seen. Once head lice have been dealt with effectively it is good to deter them as much as possible. The combination of Rosemary which is reputed to have strong antiseptic qualities as well as having been used in general hair care for hundreds of years, Nutmeg and Peppermint whose distinctive scent is one that insects dislike creates a good combination oil to use for deterring head lice. It is best to massage the oils gently but frequently into the scalp and hair. Always remember that lice love clean hair not dirty hair!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus Globulus (10ml)

Eucalyptus is best loved for its ability to help with chest infections and blocked up noses. However it is also great for muscular aches, colds sores, herpes or burns and makes a useful and natural painkiller.

£1.37

Nutmeg Essential Oil - Myrsitica Fragrans (10ml)

Nutmeg can help with digestive disorders such as indigestion and sluggish digestion. Try it for frigidity, impotence, neuralgia and nervous fatigue as well as muscular aches and gout.

£4.00

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£2.75

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia (10ml)

Tea Tree - the ultimate antiseptic which is a truly wonderful oil to keep in. Use it for veruccaes, thrush and warts, acne, rashes and dandruff. Try it for resipratory problems such as coughs and catarrh and use it to help with viral infections and increase the boxes immune system.

£2.75

Peppermint Essential Oil - Mentha Piperita (10ml)

Peppermint has a lot of different uses including acne and itching skin, palpitations and neuralgiz, catarrh and colds and to aid clear thinking as well as having ties with the digestive system.

£2.75