Members' Tips: Getting rid of headlice
 Scratch,
scratch, scratch...
Nits, headlice, cooties, pediculus humanus
capitis or just plain old dickies. Whatever you call them, they're
a complete menace. Some parents swear by natural methods, others
stop at nothing less that full-scale chemical warfare. Here are some tips on what worked for you.
Prevention is better than cure
'The best I can do is fine-comb him every
day, so at least I catch them before they establish an infestation and
I know I'm not sending him to school with headlice.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member monsty
'Put a couple of drops of tea tree oil in a bottle
of baby shampoo and use it - you too. We've never had an infestation,
touch wood!'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member Kathryn
'Put a couple of drops of tea tree oil in a bottle of baby shampoo and use it - you too. We've never had an infestation, touch wood!'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member Shazonlineatlast
Pester the school!
'I
have to say there will always be a problem in schools but if you keep
pestering the school they will eventually do something! At my daughter's
school, any child that was found to have lice was sent home and not allowed
back until they were clear (anonymously of course) I know it sounds harsh,
and although it didn't eradicate the problem it significantly reduced
it.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member sabnab
The Whole Story
1. Headlice is not just a 1 week problem that you can get rid of by casually giving the kids a quick comb through once a week. The eggs take two weeks to hatch and you'll miss the small ones. They grow and breed fast. Once you know you have a problem, you'll have to comb through every day for at least a month to get rid of them without chemicals.
2. Don't be a prude, chances are, if your daughter has them, so will you. Embarrassing I know, but you HAVE to treat the whole family.
3. Re-occuring headlice, if they keep coming back, ask your child who she/he sits next to in class. Give them a few pointers eg. don't put your head near anyone (sounds silly, but kids don't think like us) I once found a red coloured one in my daughters' hair - the childminder had just dyed her hair the same colour.
4. Don't be backward in coming forward, let the school know immediately. Tell anyone that has regular contact with your child.
5. Chemicals, sometimes you just have to use them. Choose one that kills the eggs too and change the bed sheets on the day of treatment (60 degree wash kills everything). Some treatments aren't for asthmatics, consult your doctor before using them, and if you can, treat in the day not overnight.
6. Electrical combs, great for zapping the little sods, but they get clogged up with bodies and are hard to keep clean.
7. Prevention. Check your child's hair every week, look out for eggs at the back of the neck, behind the ears and the crown.d it.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member voyagerja
Homemade treatment
'If your children have long or curly hair, carefully section the hair and thoroughly soak the hair and scalp in mayonnaise. Wrap the hair around the scalp and cover it with a few layers of cling film. Leave for at least 2 hours before washing off (it comes off really easily).'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member Lazywoman
Preferred method of headlice elimination?
Getting down to the nitty gritty - let's
hear your suggestions!
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