Heat as a Home Remedy for Head Lice

Question for Dr. Leia: I have mysteriously caught head lice in my hair. The problem is that my hair is in dreadlocks and I dont want to cut my hair. Do you have any suggestions for removing head lice from dreadlocks? Kerosene was suggested, but not my first option. Cutting my hair is the last option, so if you have any suggestions please let me know.

Dr. Leia's Answer: Dear Davyn, Kerosene seems like a very toxic solution to your problem. Fortunately, I have found a few alternative solutions which just may work for you!

The first method is to try to smother the lice in oil, using either olive oil, mayonaise, or petroleum jelly. Apply the oil, then wrap the whole head in plastic wrap, being careful to catch all of your dreadlocks in the wrap and then cover tightly with a towel and leave on overnight. It sounds messy, but worth a try. However, be careful with the petroleum jelly, since it might not be too easy to wash out.

The second solution is heat. The journal of Pediatrics recently published a study using a custom-built hot air machine called the LouseBuster. It showed that in only 30 minutes, that 100% of all the lice were killed, and 80% of the eggs.

If you are unable to obtain a Lousebuster, you might want to try using your hairdryer for 30 minutes on low temperature, being careful not to burn your hair and your scalp and skin. There are also safe shampoos on the market that may also help, but you will want to make sure you repeat the application to ensure that you kill all the eggs.

Good luck in your endeavors, and please let us know of your success.

Dr. Leia Melead

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