Head lice are a type of human parasite and need human blood to survive. They have been around since the start of time. They can survive on a human head or body for about 30 days but cannot survive any longer than 24 hours without the host. A female louse can lay up to 4-6 eggs per day. It takes 8-10 days for these eggs to hatch and another 8-10 days for the louse to mature and for them to lay their own eggs. Since the lice in one’s head do not actually have hind legs to jump or hop, or any wings to fly with, they spread when they make contact with another host. This can happen through sharing personal articles like towels, combs, hats, brushes, hair bands, helmets, hair ties and the like. It can be said that the lice can not live on our pets, but that is not totally true. Also unhealthy living environments, crowded places, unsanitary conditions can all be the cause of lice in the head.
Some of the home treatments to get rid of lice include, taking an equal proportion lemon and garlic that is one tablespoon each and proceed to apply this mixture all over one’s scalp and hair. Leave it on for about half an hour to 40 minutes then wash off thoroughly. It is said to be quite beneficial in helping one to get rid of lice and nits. olive oil has also been found to be useful in getting lice out of the head. Apply a large quantity of olive oil to the hair, then tie a plastic bag around the head and leave overnight. Next morning wash off with cold water. Another useful home remedy includes mixing the yolk from 2 to three eggs along with some teaspoons of vinegar and lemon juice. Apply this paste to the head and leave on from about 20 minutes. Then rinse well. Try soaking about 10 to 12 almonds in water and then making a paste out of it. Apply this paste to the hair and leave for a few hours. This paste helps to kill the lice and nits in one’s head. 3 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with lemon juice can help to cure the problem of lice in the head. Dousing one’s head with alcohol can also serve as an effective treatment for eradicating lice. A paste made from the leaves of the margosa tree also called the neem tree applied over the scalp is very effective.
answered by G M