How to Use Zinc to Treat Lice

Those little bugs that live in your hair can be quit expensive and time consuming to get rid of. Harsh over the counter shampoos can be harmful to your skin, and the enviroment. Here is an all natural alternative for lice removal...zinc!

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. WHAT ARE LICE? Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp of a person. They can also infest clothing, bedding, and stuffed animals. The most common signs you or your child may have head lice are: itching, scratching of the scalp, actual lice crawling on the scalp, and eggs (or nits) at the hairline of the person. (Eggs are small, oval shaped specks close to the scalp, and may look like dandruff).
2. WHAT IS ZINC? Zinc is one of 84 essential minerals used by the body. It has been noted recently that using an all natural remedy like zinc can actually penetrate the exoskeleton of the lice, and cause them to die. Zinc was first used as a lice removal for sheep and other animals, and many humans now use it as a lice removal treatment. Zinc has been regarded as a more natural remedy, and doesn't include the harsh chemicals that traditional remedies do. However, this has not been noted as a 100% effective treatment as lice are extremely good at adapting to their host sites. While this treatment has been effective for many people, it has been found to not be effective for others.
3. WHAT FORMS OF ZINC DO YOU USE? There are a few different remedies available. From shampoos to combs, in the following steps below, various treatments will be highlighted.
4. SHAMPOO: Wash hair several times with a dandruff shampoo containing zinc. After shampooing, comb through the hair to remove any nits.
5. LIQUID ZINC: Dip a comb in liquid zinc. Comb through hair starting at hairline, close to where nits tend to infest. Liquid zinc can be found online, or at natural or health food stores.
6. ZINC LOZENGES: Zinc containing lozenges can also be effective, if combined with above treatments. Look on the back of the package for recommended dosages and precautions for children and adults.

Tips & Warnings

• Zinc has not been medically tested or proven as a treatment for the prevention of lice. This is intended as information only, and should not be treated as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please check with your medical provider before beginning treatment.