Sending Parasites Scurrying
So you think you're feeling lousy today? The next time you use this expression, think twice. It is derived from "louse," the singular of lice. Originally, a person who felt lousy had, you guessed it, lice. The expression may be an old one, but parasitic infections are more common today than ever. They began increasing in the 1970s—incidence of head lice in North America doubled during a two-year span. There are many myths surrounding head, body and pubic lice. The truth is that they are not caused by a lack of hygiene and they have no respect for social class—everyone is at risk. Lice are most frequently transmitted by hairbrushes, hats and bedding. The tiny eggs of these parasites have an uncanny resemblance to dandruff, except that they cling tightly to hair. Because of this, they often go unnoticed until the lice themselves start your scalp itching.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control in Atlanta does not label lice a health hazard. Although lice have at various times carried such serious infections as typhus and trench fever, currently they transmit no diseases in North America. Even so, people find these parasites unnerving. Lice may not be considered a serious health problem, but getting rid of them can be more than irritating—it takes something mighty powerful to do away with the little buggers.
The poison of choice for more than 30 years has been lindane, a cousin of the infamous and now banned pesticide DDT. Lindane, available only by prescription, is toxic to people as well as lice because it is readily absorbed by the skin and can cause nervous system problems, even convulsions. This chemical is not exactly what you want to put on your preschooler's head when he or she comes home from school infested with lice. To make matters worse, strains of lice are becoming resistant to lindane, so there is a chance that it may not even work.
A better choice is an insecticide made from pyrethrins, a compound most commonly found in chrysanthemums. While this more natural option is no gentle substance either, it is much safer, and it is not readily absorbed through the skin like lindane.
Another way to fight lice is with a homemade remedy made up of a strong concentration of essential oils. This formula will have to be very potent, so use it carefully. Do a skin test first. Apply a drop of the oil to the inside of the elbow and leave it alone for several hours. If there is no sign of irritation, go ahead and use it. Keep the treatment away from the eyes and shampoo it off at the first sign of irritation, especially with children.
The oils will usually do the trick, but the eggs are more resistant than the lice themselves and you may need to repeat treatment after a week to eliminate newly hatched lice. Whatever method you choose to treat lice, be sure to wash clothes, bed linens and anything else that comes in contact with the person's head—and don't forget to vacuum the backs of chairs and couches.
Lice Treatment
2 ounces vegetable oil
20 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops each essential oils of rosemary, lavender and lemon
Combine ingredients. Apply to dry hair and cover with a plastic bag or shower cap. Wrap the head in a towel. Leave on for 1 hour. Then put shampoo on dry hair to help cut the oil. Work the shampoo into hair, rinse, shampoo again and rinse.
