Dealing with Lice
There’s one word that anyone with school age kids has dealt with at some point, that can send waves of panic through households, and it isn’t guns: it’s lice. Head lice are a common pest to people both school age and out of school alike, and often humans think that the only way to deal with these pests is through the use of insecticides (that includes insecticidal shampoo). Companies that manufacture the product laugh their way to the bank, because in fact lice can be dealt with through strictly organic, non-toxic means, it just takes some time and attention.
The number one thing to realize about lice is that they cannot live for any amount of time outside of their chosen environment, and they do not stray from that environment. There are three different types of lice, and we talk about them in a separate article. For this article, it is only important to note that none of the three species can live outside of the specific hair environment that they are named after. There is no need at all to spray or otherwise treat a house where someone who has had lice resides; the lice will all be dead within a few days of leaving (in the case of head lice) a noggin.
Treating lice
There is an organic, successful procedure for treating lice that works every single time, you just have to be sure to be diligent. And for the sake of your child’s self esteem, it’s important to note that head lice are not attracted to dirty hair only, in fact quite the opposite.
Once head lice are identified, you need to do your best to keep yourself and any other family members from contacting the person with lice. They spread very easily, so physical contact is out. It’s also important not to share personal items with a person who has lice for the duration of the infestation; particularly combs, hairbrushes, towels, and clothing. Launder all sheets, pillowcases, and clothes immediately.
Check your child every night when there is a possible lice situation going around his or her school. You’re looking for nits here, not full grown lice, and it should be done with a comb under some bright lights.
If you do find lice, you don’t need to use an insecticidal shampoo. Organic shampoo, particularly those strongly influenced by coconut, and a fine toothed lice comb will be sufficient. The head should be shampooed but not rinsed, combed methodically while lathered, and then rinsed and rechecked for any missed nits. This procedure needs to be followed every week until no one in the home has lice or nits.
Head lice are particularly of significance in school aged children, and not all schools will recommend the same treatments, some preferring to insist on an insecticidal based shampoo rather than organic. There’s no need for this but if you feel you have to, opt for the least toxic approach as far as shampoo ingredients.