Head Lice!

mangoes

About a month ago (maybe longer), I discovered that I had caught headlice. So immediately I went to the chemists and bought some head lice shampoo, but a few days later I felt the itching again so bought some more, but it still did did'nt work. I read up about it and learned that its not enough to just kill all the headlice but the eggs aswell and that manual removal is the only proven way to combat it. This problem is actually ruining my life. I dont think I'll be able to remove them all by myself. What i want to ask is that is there any professional services available to deal specifically with headlice, professional nit pickers? Im terrified I might give it to someone else and need to get rid of them as soon as possible.My doctor recomended trying a shampoo but that is'nt working.

LegacyUser

You can buy an electronic device that kills the nits and lice on contact and then you can comb them out. I believe its for sale in Argos, and its more reliable than the chemical solutions to which lice have developed resistance.

Nevyn

There is a thread on this atm in the parenting forum.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=59116130#post59116130

You need to comb out your hair and change and boil wash your bed clothes.

sunshinegirl

headlice hate tea tree oil and citronella oil,i rub these behind my ears when its the lice season.

PirateShampoo

Dont let it get to you, im sure most of us have caught Lice at some point.

Toots

I said this on the thread in the parenting forum, Prioderm Lotion is very effective in getting rid of head lice. It's the quickest way I've found of killing them. It really reeks though and if you get it in your eye it'll hurt like hell. Is there a relative or friend you could ask to help put it on? Don't be embarrassed, anyone can get headlice! Shampoos on their own really don't work. There is a Prioderm Shampoo also, and your best bet is to treat your head with the lotion and then follow up with the shampoo. Then put loads of conditioner in your hair (like seriously loads) and start fine combing your hair. The conditioner will stop the lice moving away to avoid the comb, and it'll also help keep your hair in good nick, cos a lot of these headlice treatments are hard on your hair.

The really important thing you need to to is make sure that you don't reinfect yourself once you've treated your hair. Like Thaedydal said, boil wash your bed clothes, and any towels you've used on your hair. Thoroughly hoover your couch and mattress in case there's any lice or eggs on them. If you have teddies on your bed or scatter pillows or anything like that, put them in a plastic bin bag and tie the top tight. Leave them in there for a couple of weeks, this will kill any nits/lice on them. Don't forget to give them a good hoover before you put them back on your couch/bed. If you have plastic brushes or combs, put them in the dishwasher. Bristle brushes should be washed out thoroughly with hot hot water and a small drop of fairy liquid.

You may need to treat your hair more than once, depending on how bad it is. I'd also say to make sure you do the combing and conditioner every time you wash your hair for about a fortnight to make sure all the lice and eggs are gone. After, just run a fine tooth comb through your hair after your shower once or twice a week just to check. You'd be as well to get a repellant spray and put it in your hair or put some tea tree oil behind your ears to reduce the chance of you catching them again. Also keep your hair tied up if it is long.

thedeadpoet

I've come to learn that T-Gel amongst other shampoos of a similar ilk can be fantastically effective against the removal of both lice and eggs.

If its any consolation, lice only live in clean hair. Too, take heed that daily washing can counteract the removal, as the natural oils produced by your hair contain a cleaning agent (much like sweat, saliva and tears). Showering/Bathing on a regular basis rids your body of these oils and you'll end up much worse in the end.

Give the T-Gel a go for at least a month and if it persists, pop over to the GP and he'll throw you the best advice.

A miserable dilemma - best of luck.

Overheal

PirateShampoo wrote: »

Dont let it get to you, im sure most of us have caught Lice at some point.

The Florida Education system had a lot to be desired when it came to adhering to Health Codes. I've had them at least 6 times. Once in Ireland. It never gets any funner. Rigorous to the point of painful shampooing and combing is required. If youre not shy, a full head shave can be a lot quicker and a lot less painful.

As fore the actual combing if you are having trouble ask a family member, or, phone a salon or your GP and see if they can schedule a special time or appointment to see you, or at least refer you to someone.

Also +9001 to what thaed says. Purge the Unclean. Boil EVERYTHING. Headgear (hats etc) are prime carriers. Never share hats.

LegacyUser

....that you are allergic to the shampoo or something similar.

I got a new cat and noticed it had flees and then convinced myself that I had them even though cat fleas don't travel to humans.

I was itchy all the time..... couldn't stopped scratching..

Turns out I was allergic to the cat.

Anti-hystamins worked for me.

NorthernRock

If it makes you feel any better lice only go after clean hair.

cat&mouse

MANGOES: I make a lotion for head lice. It is a strong herbal one with special essential oils added. The lotion is oily obviously, but within 1/2 hour itching stops. It is always handy to have a bottle in the closet plus it is safe. In summertime the midgets keep away too. Let me know if you are interested.

sunshinegirl

cat&mouse id be interested in the treatment if you could pass it on to me that would be fab

cat&mouse

Hi Sunshine
Don't know where you are !. Do you have an email? It will be in a bottle approx. 100ml. or smaller. Postage details and that kind of thing I need also. Okay

Nevyn

please take that to pm.

Personally if you are looking for a no chemical estentail oil treatment other then tea tree oil
I would suggest burts bees insect repellent oil. I use it on the kids and on the cat when needed.

ceegee

if you think the lice are resistant to chemical treatment, hedrin is a good option, kills the lice physically rather than chemically so don't get resistance. The whole "clean hair" thing is a bit of a myth, they'll just pass in contact regardless of how clean the head is.