Guest guest Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Hi Roseanne, First, I totally sympathize on this--my daughter once went to a school where lice were nearly epidemic during the first part of each school year. So, I've been thru this a time or 20 ~grins~ Hope I can help a little. It's my understanding that lice can lay eggs on inanimate things such as pillows, some toys (cloth or fur), clothing, etc, for about a week, and live up to a week afterward. We always collected anything that wouldn't stand a good long hot water washing, bagged it and put it up for 14 days (which will also get you thru the treatment time for the children and everyone else). That way we didn't have to toss my kid's treasures. We also did the same at a nursing home I worked at, where we had a scabies problem (not the same critter, but somewhat related and many of the same things must be done to eradicate both). HTH and good luck to your sister in law and nieces, Serra Rosanne wrote: > Both my nieces, ages 8 and 5, were sent home, for the second time, from > school this week for having lice. My question is, can lice live for an > extended period of time on inanimate objects such as toys, dolls, etc? > My sister-in-law thinks they can and proceeded to throw out most of my > nieces' toys. I may be wrong, but I thought this was a bit drastic. So > before I open my mouth, can anyone tell me if that is part of the > protocol when dealing with lice? > Thanks. > > Rosanne > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Ohh.. those are masty little buggers. No, you do not need to throw everything out, but it is so frusterating, many do. Lice can live a couple of weeks without a host (cute little kid head). So, have her wash everything in hot soapy water. Once dryed, bag it for a couple of weeks. Anything that cannot be washed should also be bagged, but not in the same closet as the washed stuff. This helps in the transfer issues. My daughters have had it and I bagged everything. We looked like we were moving ut of our house.. LOL But it never came back.. Lana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Yes, lice can survive in bedding, toys, hairbrushes, hats etc. etc. Fumigate, wash, and put into a plastic bag for a few month. A good habit is to use vinegar as a rinse after shampooing, keeps lice at bay. C-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Treatment for head lice as follows: all pillows, blankets and sheets need to be put in dryer for 20 minutes each day after use. All clothes need to be picked up, put in plastic bag till washed and dried. All stuffed toys should be put in plastic bag tied closed for 1 month. You can save a favorite that the child sleeps with but it must go in the dryer with the bedding each day. Vacume the mattress daily. This is what we do for the hair brushes....I soak them after each use in a cup filled with water that has 4 drops of peppermint oil. What I have done is washed my girls hair with head and shoulders shampoo just cuz its a medicated shampoo. Then rinse with vingar. Then I have a cup handy that is filled with water and 3-4 drops of peppermint oil. As I pick thru thier hair wet the comb with the peppermint water. The lice does not like the vingar and the peppermint essential oil. I have long ago used the over the counter stuff but really all you need to do is the following and it should keep them at bay. As long as there are no eggs or in thier hair they should go away. I also add 2-3 drops peppermint to our shampoo during this time to keep reinfestation down. Herbal hugs, Helaine Herbal teas and more! http://www.misshelaineous.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2004 Report Share Posted June 19, 2004 One last tip. We put a couple drops of rosemary oil in our bottles of shampoo...at the very least I remember to put them in our kids' shampoo each time we open a new one. I've done this in the hopes of repelling lice because every year my kids' school experiences an epidemic in one class or another. In the last three years that I've done this my kids have not gotten lice in spite of one child having her seating assignment place her next to a child who was the first to be spotted with lice one year. Don't know if the rosemary did the trick, we were lucky or we were dirty enough (they do only get a washing once a month whether they need it or not!) ... LOL ... but the lice didn't come our way. Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2004 Report Share Posted June 19, 2004 On the old idma list was a gal named Lowana. She did a lot of research on lice and EO's. I think it was a species of peppermint that she ID'd as being helpful. C-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Thank you to all who responded about my niece's lice incident. I will be sharing your treatment suggestions to my sister-in-law this week. What about carpeting and furniture? Will frequent vacumming take care of that or should we, my family, stay away for a month? My kids miss playing with their cousins. Maybe we should stick with outdoor gatherings? Blessings, Rosanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Yes, vacume the furniture and rugs.....no stay overs but you can still visit just no wearing clothes or using hair things of thiers when they go over. You might want to check thier hair when they come home for any lice crawling around too. Herbal hugs, Helaine Herbal teas and more! http://www.misshelaineous.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Rosanne, Also, if you want a more natural alternative to the lice treatment, is to slather their heads in mayonaise, let sit at least an hour. Put a shower cap on and leave overnight if possible. Shampoo in the normal fashion, and rinse with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 rubbing alcohol, taking care not to get into the eyes! Will burn like crazy! (ask me how I know! LOL) My kids pediatrician recommended this, and it worked beautifully! Use a nit comb after rinsing, to make sure to remove all the dead lice and nits. Can be used over and over if needed, but I only did it one extra time to make sure all of the lice were gone. Bag up anything that cannot be washed in hot water and bleach, and leave for at least 2 weeks. 1 month is best. Vacuum anything else, and do it daily. After vacuuming, remove the bag, and throw away. This also came from the pediatrician. It worked like a charm. I told him that I had bought some of the 'lice spray' they sell at the market, and he told me not to waste my money. He said that it didn't do anything to kill or prevent reinfestation. Bless his heart, he was a good man. Died a few years back. He was also my pediatrician when I was a child. Good ol country caring man, he was! Not many doc's around like that anymore. He would always give us a natural 'cure' for anything, if he could. Hope this helps your family! And, as far as letting your kids go around.....go ahead. If you are truly concerned, you can always use a little bit of conditioner in your hair, and add a small amount of Tea Tree EO to the conditioner. I read somewhere that this will keep lice away. We have been doing this occasionally, usually at the beginning of the school year, and a couple of times later in the year, and my girls haven't gotten lice again. It's been over 7 years since they had lice. Take care, Candy in AL - " Rosanne " <rosanne9 Monday, June 21, 2004 7:27 AM re: lice > Thank you to all who responded about my niece's lice incident. I will be > sharing your treatment suggestions to my sister-in-law this week. What > about carpeting and furniture? Will frequent vacumming take care of that > or should we, my family, stay away for a month? My kids miss playing > with their cousins. Maybe we should stick with outdoor gatherings? > > Blessings, > Rosanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 G'day all. Another source for information is http://www.health.qld.gov.au <http://www.health.qld.gov.au/> type in `head lice' in the search pane at the top right. We do have the little fellas down here, even if some unkind people suggest we're upside down, and they (the lice) should just fall out. Dennis Archer http://www.toona.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2004 Report Share Posted June 22, 2004 HA! Gave me my laugh for the evening, mate! Oh, and Happy Winter Solstice *Smile* Chris (list mom) http://www.alittleolfactory.com Dennis Archer [toona] <snipped> We do have the little fellas down here, even if some unkind people suggest we're upside down, and they (the lice) should just fall out. Dennis Archer http://www.toona.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Sorry I do not post much, I am just learning about using natural things. I was wondering if someone can help me. It is this time of the year for our school system and yup it is going around my daughters class. I was so upset when I found my daughter had this and I was not notified that other children have it. I even called the school nurse and left a message but she never got back to me. I talked with the teacher and she said that it is a dont tell thing here. I made sure I told her and other parents that where picking up there kids from school that day so they knew what was going on. That day I called the doctor and they gave me that shampoo you put on her head. Well let me tell you my daughter said it burned so I only let it sit on her head for 5 mins instead of the 10. It kinda worked. It did end up killing some of the larger bugs. It didnt work on the smaller ones or the eggs and my poor girl is still itching. I was wondering if anyone knew of something natural I could use. I know that you can use a few EO's to keep flies off of pets but wasnt sure if it would work on humans. Any help on this would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 I have heard that covering the head and hair with a heavy oil, like castor, suffocates them - but it has to be left on a long time. Others have suggested tea tree oil ( a friend of mine teaches kindergarten and swears by it - puts it on every day to repel them after having several times herself). A long time ago when I was working with huge street populations, we were told to shampoo regularly with a product called A-200 ( at least, that's what I remember). I don't recall ever having to leave it sit very long - not like RID or some others. HTH, Bobbie - MomCalzMeNikki Tuesday, May 31, 2005 8:28 AM Lice Sorry I do not post much, I am just learning about using natural things. I was wondering if someone can help me.It is this time of the year for our school system and yup it is going around my daughters class. I was so upset when I found my daughter had this and I was not notified that other children have it. I even called the school nurse and left a message but she never got back to me. I talked with the teacher and she said that it is a dont tell thing here. I made sure I told her and other parents that where picking up there kids from school that day so they knew what was going on. That day I called the doctor and they gave me that shampoo you put on her head. Well let me tell you my daughter said it burned so I only let it sit on her head for 5 mins instead of the 10. It kinda worked. It did end up killing some of the larger bugs. It didnt work on the smaller ones or the eggs and my poor girl is still itching. I was wondering if anyone knew of something natural I could use. I know that you can use a few EO's to keep flies off of pets but wasnt sure if it would work on humans. Any help on this would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 I know mayo works. We tried a ton of different things all the store stuff and tried mayo did it twice for two days combed through and they were all gone. I have heard that covering the head and hair with a heavy oil, like castor, suffocates them - but it has to be left on a long time. Others have suggested tea tree oil ( a friend of mine teaches kindergarten and swears by it - puts it on every day to repel them after having several times herself). A long time ago when I was working with huge street populations, we were told to shampoo regularly with a product called A-200 ( at least, that's what I remember). I don't recall ever having to leave it sit very long - not like RID or some others. HTH, Bobbie - MomCalzMeNikki <momcalzmenikki Tuesday, May 31, 2005 8:28 AM Lice Sorry I do not post much, I am just learning about using natural things. I was wondering if someone can help me. It is this time of the year for our school system and yup it is going around my daughters class. I was so upset when I found my daughter had this and I was not notified that other children have it. I even called the school nurse and left a message but she never got back to me. I talked with the teacher and she said that it is a dont tell thing here. I made sure I told her and other parents that where picking up there kids from school that day so they knew what was going on. That day I called the doctor and they gave me that shampoo you put on her head. Well let me tell you my daughter said it burned so I only let it sit on her head for 5 mins instead of the 10. It kinda worked. It did end up killing some of the larger bugs. It didnt work on the smaller ones or the eggs and my poor girl is still itching. I was wondering if anyone knew of something natural I could use. I know that you can use a few EO's to keep flies off of pets but wasnt sure if it would work on humans. Any help on this would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Even better, mayo. And would be conditioning, too. Straight castor oil is so, so hard to wash out - takes several washings to get the oily feeling gone...but, it is totally strengthening for the hair, also. Bobbie - Bobbie Moore Tuesday, May 31, 2005 9:44 AM Re: Lice I know mayo works. We tried a ton of different things all the store stuff and tried mayo did it twice for two days combed through and they were all gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Yes, it worked great for conditioning as well. It wasn't to bad to wash out. We let the mayo sit for like 15 mins or so. It doesn't sting or anything that washed it out with shampoo and combed. By the way love your name Bobbie. Even better, mayo. And would be conditioning, too. Straight castor oil is so, so hard to wash out - takes several washings to get the oily feeling gone...but, it is totally strengthening for the hair, also. Bobbie - Bobbie Moore <emilee Tuesday, May 31, 2005 9:44 AM Re: Lice I know mayo works. We tried a ton of different things all the store stuff and tried mayo did it twice for two days combed through and they were all gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 didnt even think about using mayo. Ok so how long do I leave it in for? Will this also get rid of the eggs?? That seems to be our problem, we kill the bugs but it leaves the eggs and I comb and comb and comb and they never come off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2005 Report Share Posted June 1, 2005 We left it on for about 15-20 mins. It makes the hair very slippery I guess would be the best way to put it so nothing sticks to it. didnt even think about using mayo. Ok so how long do I leave it in for? Will this also get rid of the eggs?? That seems to be our problem, we kill the bugs but it leaves the eggs and I comb and comb and comb and they never come off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2005 Report Share Posted June 1, 2005 The following link has reviews of many alternate treatments for lice. They don't encourage the use of any method, it's just FYI. http://fly.hiwaay.net/~sseale/nonstd.html When I worked in a shelter, we did the mayo treatment, slathered it on and covered with a shower cap or towel and left for 4 hours. Combing out the nits seems to be the only way to get them all. Take care, Marvel On 5/31/05, Bobbie Moore <emilee wrote: > We left it on for about 15-20 mins. It makes the hair very slippery I > guess would be the best way to put it so nothing sticks to it. > > > didnt even think about using mayo. Ok so how long do I leave it in for? > > Will this also get rid of the eggs?? That seems to be our problem, we kill > the bugs but it leaves the eggs and I comb and comb and comb and they never > come off. -- TreeHuggerz.com Get tips and hints for green living on a budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2005 Report Share Posted June 1, 2005 Thank you guys I am heading to the store tonight to get a jar of it. Funny I dont have any in the house because I dont like the taste of it. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2005 Report Share Posted June 1, 2005 We don't like plain mayo either we like miracle whip. So we had to go buy some as well. Thank you guys I am heading to the store tonight to get a jar of it. Funny I dont have any in the house because I dont like the taste of it. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2005 Report Share Posted June 2, 2005 Another good thing to add to the mayo paste, or by itself is Tea Tree oil!! AWSOME stuff........it also leaves the hair shinny and not really oily that I noticed; BUT if your hair is naturally oily may want too take it easy. I also applied couple drops to my palms, spread around in my hand and applied to daughters hair before school, helps to deter them!!! Marie , MomCalzMeNikki <momcalzmenikki@v...> wrote: > Sorry I do not post much, I am just learning about using natural things. I was wondering if someone can help me. > > It is this time of the year for our school system and yup it is going around my daughters class. I was so upset when I found my daughter had this and I was not notified that other children have it. I even called the school nurse and left a message but she never got back to me. I talked with the teacher and she said that it is a dont tell thing here. I made sure I told her and other parents that where picking up there kids from school that day so they knew what was going on. > That day I called the doctor and they gave me that shampoo you put on her head. Well let me tell you my daughter said it burned so I only let it sit on her head for 5 mins instead of the 10. It kinda worked. It did end up killing some of the larger bugs. It didnt work on the smaller ones or the eggs and my poor girl is still itching. > I was wondering if anyone knew of something natural I could use. I know that you can use a few EO's to keep flies off of pets but wasnt sure if it would work on humans. Any help on this would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2005 Report Share Posted June 2, 2005 What I did is since I couldnt get the eggs out even with the egg treatment. I sat my daughter down each and every day and went through her head with the pic and used a small set of scissors to cut out the eggs. Put her pillows in the dryer each and every night. I even tried the Vasoline in ehr hair but it takes a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time to get out. several dozen washings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2005 Report Share Posted June 2, 2005 Tea tree oil worked great for my daughter and my nieces! My sister had a bad time with lice a few years back. She put it in a spray bottle 3/4 tea tree 1/4 water and sprayed there hair. Its also important to strip the whole bed every morning. Also changing your vacum cleaner bag. Making sure they are not wearing the same pj's over again. Stuffed animals need to be dryed in the dryer. Your couch and other furniture needs to be vacumed daily. My daughter is 20 now and had it in preschool. It was so bad they ended up closing the school down for two weeks to bomb and clean. Also......dont forget about treating your pets as well. We tried everything and tea tree worked even then. It was hard to get and more expensive then it is now. I sprayed her hair and then ran a nit comb soaked in tea tree threw her hair. Also put a few drops in your shampoo when you use it. I have been told that lavendar oil works as well. But, Ive not tried it. Good Luck Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2005 Report Share Posted June 3, 2005 Wow! Our school system sends a note home when lice is found in our child's class. Maybe a petition to change school policy might be in order in addition to caring for your daughter. I am no expert, but I have heard that Tea Tree is just about a cure all for everything. NE ShadowMomCalzMeNikki <momcalzmenikki wrote: Sorry I do not post much, I am just learning about using natural things. I was wondering if someone can help me.It is this time of the year for our school system and yup it is going around my daughters class. I was so upset when I found my daughter had this and I was not notified that other children have it. I even called the school nurse and left a message but she never got back to me. I talked with the teacher and she said that it is a dont tell thing here. I made sure I told her and other parents that where picking up there kids from school that day so they knew what was going on. That day I called the doctor and they gave me that shampoo you put on her head. Well let me tell you my daughter said it burned so I only let it sit on her head for 5 mins instead of the 10. It kinda worked. It did end up killing some of the larger bugs. It didnt work on the smaller ones or the eggs and my poor girl is still itching. I was wondering if anyone knew of something natural I could use. I know that you can use a few EO's to keep flies off of pets but wasnt sure if it would work on humans. Any help on this would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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