Getting rid of lice can mean fighting "pesticide-resistant super lice." Some parents become so distraught at discovering lice on their child's head that in desperation they reach for a treatment that can be more dangerous than the lice. A parent may reason that since lice medications are easy to purchase they must be safe, but that is not the case. Over-the-counter pesticides are toxic! As for prescription lice treatments, they come with more contraindications and even stronger warnings of possible seizures and death if used repeatedly, or used for too long a time.
The pesticide used in prescription shampoo to kill head lice and scabies is called Lindane. Lindane was also used to treat crops, forestry products and livestock until 2006 when the EPA cancelled all pesticide registrations for agricultural uses of Lindane. In 2009, more than 160 countries agreed to ban the agricultural use of Lindane under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. But Lindanecontinue to be used in prescribed shampoo, which increase resistance of head lice, contaminates waterways and put children's health at risk. In humans, Lindane affects the nervous system, liver and kidneys, and may be a carcinogen.
There are safer alternatives than using a pesticide on your child's head. Italian researchers in search of a non-pesticide treatment for lice found that tea tree oil at 1% concentration killed head lice with 100% mortality in 30 minutes. Using twice the concentration killed louse eggs.
It is recommended that, immediately upon suspecting or seeing evidence of lice, massage Tea Tree oil into the scalp and hair to soften and dislodge the nits. Comb the oil through the hair. To fumigate the live insects, wrap hair in a hot moist towel for 10 minutes. Repeat every other day for at least 5 treatments (10 days). Generously applying detangling spray or conditioners will make it easier to run a fine tooth comb or nit comb from the scalp to the hair ends. The nits should comb off easily.
For prevention: In a 4oz spray bottle of water add 3 drops of Tea Tree essential oil and 3 drops of lavender oil. In the morning lightly spray your child's hair. The scent will be pleasant to you and your child, and unattractive to lice. A study found Tea Tree Oil effective against both lice and house dust mites with lavender oil as the second most effective.
So if your child comes home with dreaded lice, don't panic, there are safer treatment and prevention alternatives.
Sophie Gratton is a busy mother of 3 who is dedicated to inform others moms about the dangers of toxic household chemicals. Click here for more tips on how to make your home a safer place.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sophie_Gratton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8094357
No comments:
Post a Comment