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To eliminate lice effectively, it is important to wash your hair with suitable shampoos, it is recommended to give preference to shampoos that contain permethrin in its formula, because this substance is capable of promoting the death of the louse. Some examples of shampoos to eliminate lice that can be indicated by a pediatrician or dermatologist and that are easily found in pharmacies are:
- Kwell;
- Sanasar
- Escabin;
- Deltacid;
- Stop lice;
- Del-lend;
- Pedider;
- Keltrine.
In addition to shampoos, there are also anti-parasitic drugs, in the form of pills, that can promote the death of lice, such as Ivermectin, for example. However, its use should be recommended by the dermatologist or pediatrician to avoid possible side effects related to high doses of this medication.
How to use lice shampoos
The application varies a lot depending on the shampoo that is used and, therefore, it is recommended to read the shampoo label first to identify the most appropriate mode of use. In general, the use of shampoo should happen as follows:
- Apply the product to dry hair, because this way it is possible to promote the death of the louse by asphyxiation. If the product is applied to wet hair, the louse can close its breathing holes and protect itself from the action of the product. Despite this, some shampoos can be used on wet hair as an indication and, therefore, it is important that the label is read before the application is made;
- Spread the product well on the wires and let it act for 10 to 20 minutes or according to the manufacturer's guidance;
- Rinse the head, removing the shampoo completely, and comb with a fine comb to remove dead lice and nits. To make it easier, you can divide the hair into strands, as this way you can be sure that the comb will be passed through the entire hair;
- Then, wash your head normally, using the shampoo and conditioner preferably.
As the louse can live up to 30 days, changing from nits to adult lice in about 12 days, it is recommended to apply the lice shampoo again a second time after 7 days of the first application.
Check out these and other tips in the following video:
Natural Remedies for Head Lice
To combat lice and nits infestation, you can also bet on natural ingredients such as essential oils, but it is also possible to kill the lice with cornmeal porridge that is placed on the scalp, preventing the lice from breathing. Another natural solution against lice and nits is to bet on thyme oil that should be mixed in the shampoo.
Here's how to prepare each of these recipes:
1. With essential oils
A great natural remedy to get rid of lice and nits for good is washing the hair with essential oils and olive oil, because the oil prevents the lice from sticking to the hair, facilitating its removal with the fine comb.
In addition, malaleuca essential oil has repellent properties that prevent further lice infestation. The essential oils of rosemary and lavender are used to complement the treatment, calming the irritation of the scalp and relieving itching.
Ingredients
- 30 ml of olive oil;
- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil;
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil;
- 10 drops of malaleuca essential oil.
Preparation mode
Mix the ingredients in a container until you get a homogeneous mixture. Then, using a cotton swab, apply the medicine all over the scalp, rubbing it especially on the hair root. Then cover with a cap and wait for 2 to 3 hours to kill all lice and nits, before washing your hair with a shampoo for oily hair.
After washing your hair, use a fine comb, strand by strand. Between each pass of the comb it is very important to check if there are lice attached to the comb and, if they exist, it must be removed before re-combing the hair.
Warning: This home remedy should only be used after 2 years of age, as the essential oil of malaleuca should not be used in babies. Since lice eggs can take up to 7 days to hatch, it is important to use this natural remedy every 3 days for at least 4 weeks.
2. With cornmeal
An excellent natural treatment for lice in the hair is the mixture of cornmeal and rue, as they are medicinal plants with properties that help kill worms, such as lice, and soothe the scalp, reducing itching.
Ingredients
- 1 handful of rue;
- 1 handful of cornmeal;
- 4 cups of water.
Preparation mode
Add the rue to the boiling water and boil for approximately 5 minutes. Then add the cornmeal and stir well, preventing lumps from forming. When the mixture has the consistency of porridge, it is ready to be used.
Allow the mixture to cool and apply along the strands and on the scalp. Then wrap the hair in a cap and let the medicine work for about an hour. After the determined time, the hair should be washed with plenty of water and neutral shampoo. For best effectiveness, it is recommended to use a fine comb to remove dead lice and nits.
3. With thyme
Another excellent natural solution for lice and nits is the homemade shampoo made from thyme, as it is a medicinal plant with a powerful insecticidal property.
Ingredients
- Thyme essential oil;
- Shampoo with bitterness.
Method of preparation
Add 3 drops of the essential thyme oil to the shamrock shampoo and mix well. Then, apply the mixture to wet hair with a light massage, leaving it to act for 5 minutes. After the determined time rinse the hair well with warm water and use a fine comb to remove the lice and dead nits.
Thyme can be irritating to the skin of the scalp, and you should never exceed the recommended amount, or use it without being diluted.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team