Risks Of Over The Counter Head Lice Treatments

Head lice are a common childhood ailment, and have been afflicting humans for thousands of years. There are about 12 million cases of head lice infestation in the United States every year. Naturally, parents want to buy a product that is effective in washing away head lice, and many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription treatments. They are usually assured by their doctor or by the packaging materials that the product is safe for use, but time and time again these pesticides have been shown to cause significant health dangers. Additionally, many of these pesticides are not as effective as they once were. This is due to lice becoming resistant to the pesticide. Note: head lice do not transmit disease. They are not dangerous or life-threatening. At the very worst, they are an itchy annoyance, so it is important to weigh the possible side effects of a treatment against the seriousness of the ailment itself.

Overexposure to any pesticide has been shown to have adverse side effects. It is best to try more gentle methods first. Try these methods before using a potentially dangerous pesticide:

• Combing the lice and nits out with a fine toothed comb
• Smothering the lice overnight with mayonnaise, vinegar, or olive oil
• Using an all-natural lice removal product.

If none of these treatments work, see a health practitioner to be sure that what you have is actually head lice. Often, dry scalp or dandruff is mistaken for lice. Your health practitioner will be able to advise you on further treatment.

It is absolutelyNOT necessary to fumigate your house or use spray pesticides. Lice only live on human heads. If they happen to fall off onto a pillow or couch, they will die within 48 hours. If you want to, you can wash all bedding and clothing that may have come in contact with an infected person, but this is not necessary. Fumigation will only serve to unnecessarily expose you and your family to pesticides. It will not be effective in reducing the chances of lice being spread.

Sources:

http://www.aogc.org/house/house1.htm

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/news/FDA_lice_treatment.html

Photo Credit: myheadlicetreatment.com

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