How2Day: What Are Some Home Remedies for Treating Lice?

Use a fine-tooth comb to remove lice from the head. Silver comb image by Star from Fotolia.com
Live lice can live for 48 hours without a meal, and their eggs die in a week if kept in a different temperature than the human scalp, according to Mayo Clinic. Because of this, head-to-head contact proves the most possible way for lice to get transferred. Children may get exposed to lice at school or daycare. Once your child has lice, several home remedies will help deal with lice and prevent future outbreaks.

Running a comb through wet hair will help remove live lice from the head, according to Mayo Clinic. Use a special nit or a fine-toothed comb in order to get all the lice out. Do this every two days for three weeks. If the person infected with lice has longer hair, cutting the hair may make removing lice an easier task.

Kids Health recommends washing all linens and clothing. This includes all blankets, sheets, pillowcases and towels. Make sure to wash all of the clothing and linens in the house, not just the ones directly affected by lice. Wash in very hot water, such as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Throw the items in the dryer for 30 minutes or more.

Vacuuming carpets, furniture, car seats and mattresses will help get rid of lice; according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's family guide. Lice should die on contact with the hot vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming these items regularly will help prevent lice infestations in the future.

Items that prove difficult to wash, such as pillows, can get sealed in plastic containers and placed in the freezer. The cold temperature will kill lice and nits, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's family guide. Keep the items in the freezer overnight to make sure no lice returns.

Soak all hair care items in rubbing alcohol for one hour. This includes brushes, headbands, ponytail holders, bobby pins and combs. Remove the items and wash with hot water afterward.

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