The Best Treatment Options for Lice

My biggest fear was that awful moment when my child came home from school and I discovered that she had lice. I know that feeling, it feels like the end of the world, wondering what the best treatment options are for lice. These small insects live in hair and feed on human blood. They are usually found close to the scalp. Close contact and sharing belongings are how lice transmit from person to person. At first glance, the diminutive eggs look like flakes of dandruff. However, they don’t fall off.

Did you know a female lice can lay up to six eggs per day? Once laid, the eggs begin to hatch within a week or two. Once the eggs hatch, they begin to feed on human blood. Headlice cannot fly; they move by crawling. According to the CDC, there are approximately 6 –12 million infestations in the United States each year. Lice can be treated with over-the-counter products; however, if there is a severe infestation, you may need professional assistance. We will explore the best treatment options for lice and ways to prevent them.

• Size: 1 set
• Cost: $45.99
• Rating: 4.6

Nix Ultra Lice Remove Kit is recommended by the #1 Pediatrician & Pharmacist. This OTC is designed to be used at home to treat head lice, eggs, and hard-to-kill super lice. It is non-toxic and pesticide-free. Instead of using harsh chemicals, it kills these tiny bugs through suffocation. It’s easy to use. First, apply the solution; next, wash it out with regular shampoo; and finally, use the removal comb to remove the lice and eggs from the hair. Furthermore, the home defense spray will kill lice and bedbugs and is effective for up to 4 weeks. Simply spray on your furniture and bedding. Always follow the instructions directly. According to Yaya12345 on Walgreen’s review, “Does the job, product works when others didn’t.”

• Size: 12 fl oz
• Cost: $19.99
• Rating: 4.5

Treating head lice is as simple as spraying and allowing it to dry with Licefreee Spray. It is a one-step spray that quickly gets rid of lice and eggs (nits). It is safe to use on children 6 months and older. Their special formula uses sodium chloride (salt) instead of pesticides and chemicals. Furthermore, their alternative products include getting rid of lice from the body, bedding, and furniture. According to Aime on Amazon’s review, “Easy to use, works pretty well.”

• Size: 8 fl oz
• Cost: $37.28
• Rating: 4.5

Safe for the whole family Ladybug Lice Elimination Kit comes with a mint-scented serum, mousse, and lice comb to easily eliminate lice and nits. It is made with all-natural ingredients and does not harm the skin or hair. According to Katy on Amazon’s review, “Highly recommended, very simple to use, and smelled good.”

• Size: 10.5 flo oz
• Cost: $11.33
• Rating: 4.5

SoCozy Boo Lice Scaring Shampoo is a conditioning spray with a fresh fragrance, so lice stay away from your kid's hair. This non-sticky formula contains keratin, tea tree, rosemary extract, and peppermint. Furthermore, it is free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, sulfates, synthetic colors, and formaldehyde. It is non-toxic and gluten-free. According to Linda on Amazon’s review, “The only lice product anyone should use. My two typing daughters picked up lice at their elementary school. And boy oh boy did we try EVERYTHING!!! But this product right here actually works.”

• Size: 12 fl oz
• Cost: $22.97
• Rating: 4.7

Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Shampoo and Conditioning Spray is formulated with a blend of rosemary, tea tree, citronella, peppermint, and geranium oils. Lavender, jojoba, and chamomile help soothe and moisturize the scalp. The fragrance is wonderful, and it can be used every day. Furthermore, it contains no harsh toxins or chemicals and is dairy, sulfate, nut, paraben, soy, gluten, and phthalate-free. According to Tanya G on Fairy Tales review, “Perfect shampoo; rinse this out well, and this makes for a very clean & comfortable scalp. Love this shampoo!”

• Size: 3.4 fl oz
• Cost: $21.78
• Rating: 4.2

This hypoallergenic pesticide-free formula for sensitive skin, RID Super Max, effectively kills super lice, lice, and eggs in only 10 minutes. Compared to leading pesticide-based treatments, it has been clinically proven to be twice as effective. Furthermore, it also comes with a lice comb for removing the lice and nits. This treatment is safe to use on children aged 6 months and older. According to Susan on Walmart’s review, “It worked. My child came home from school with these horrid bugs. Other treatments didn't work. This one does.”

Some people may need to see their doctor if over-the-counter (OTC) products have not been successful in removing lice. Your pediatrician may describe one of the following prescription medications that contain:

• Malathion: This is suitable for children aged 2 and older as well as adults. This lotion is high in alcohol and needs to be left on to dry naturally and then rinsed out after 8–12 hours. If the first treatment was not successful, it can be reapplied after 7 days.
• Ivermectin: This product is available as an OTC nonprescription lotion that is applied to the scalp and hair. However, there is a prescription tablet that is taken orally and is only given to children weighing over 33 pounds.
• Spinosad: Adults and children aged 6 months and older can take Spinosad. First, it is applied to dry hair and then rinsed off after 10 minutes. It usually doesn’t require additional treatments.
• Benzyl alcohol: This is a 5% prescription medication that kills lice. However, it does not kill the lice eggs (nits); therefore, a second application is necessary to kill the lice that hatch from these eggs.

Combs and brushes should not be shared among family members or friends. Immediantly after each use these should be soaked in boiling water for at least 130 °F for 10 minutes. A wonderful bathroom hack you as a parent can do is to set up a cup for each family member that is color-coded or has their name on it. Each person can put their own comb and brush in their cup of choice to prevent other family members not to use them.

Many hair salon technicians have suggested using a lint roller on bedding, furniture, clothes, and other surfaces your child may come into contact with. Additionally, they are much more efficient than a vacuum cleaner when picking up lice and eggs because they have sticky sheets. You can grab a pack of five rollers on Amazon for $17.99.

Additionally, when you discover someone in your home has lice, the first thing you need to do is remove all towels, clothing, and bed linen and use a high heat cycle of 130°F. However, if you can’t do the whole load at once, put these items in a tied refuse bag to avoid lice crawling and climbing on other items. As I have noted before, lice can’t jump or fly.

Finally, although it may feel embarrassing, it is always advisable to inform the school if you have discovered lice on your child. Schools are mostly appreciative of this, and that way they can inspect each student to prevent it from spreading further. Usually, most kids who have had lice are required to stay at home until cleared. This is something all parents will appreciate. It also gives parents time to know that there has been an infestation, and they can take precautionary measures to avoid lice.