Lice and Hair Health: Understanding the Impact of Treatment

Head lice (Pediculus capitis) are small, parasitic insects that live in human hair and feed on blood. Though the bugs and eggs do not cause damage to the hair, the treatments might.

Pesticides

• Over-the-counter pesticide lice treatments such as Nix and Rid are strong enough to kill bugs, and may cause slight scalp irritation. Most however, are made with conditioner to prevent damage.

Combing

• The most essential part of lice removal is combing for nits (eggs). Excessive combing with a fine tooth comb can cause hair to break.

Home Treatments

• Mayonnaise, olive oil and Vaseline can ultimately dry the hair out because you have to wash the hair several times to remove the product.

Prevention/Solution

• LiceMd, an over-the-counter lice product that advertises pesticide free management of lice, states on it's website that it contains dimethicone, a conditioner used in dozens of hair conditioners.

Considerations

• Conditioning hair right before the treatments, whatever they may be, may hinder instead of help with lice removal, so plan on conditioning afterward.