It can be annoying to deal with lice and nits, especially if you’re looking for practical fixes. Hydrogen peroxide is a remedy that is frequently used. Although its antiseptic qualities are well known, can it actually aid in the fight against lice?
It’s crucial to know how hydrogen peroxide functions and whether it’s safe to use for treating this problem before using it. Although some people think it can be a strong solution, there are possible risks involved with using it incorrectly.
If you want to try this method, this article will explain how safe it is to use hydrogen peroxide and investigate if it works effectively against lice and nits.
Properties
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe product for biological systems because it breaks down into water and oxygen when it comes into contact with liquids. The effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide against lice is determined by oxygen, which has a strong oxidizing effect. You can do a single at-home procedure to eradicate lice with the aid of this product.
When peroxide comes into contact with a louse, it melts the parasite’s interior by burning through its outer covering and entering through the respiratory system. Even though lice don’t always die right away, they will always sustain serious injuries that prevent them from feeding and procreating. The drug acts on nits by dissolving the sticky mass that the female uses to adhere to the hair. After that, they are simple to brush or wash out of the hair. Unfortunately, peroxide cannot break down the nit’s protective shell.
Suggestions. Hair dye, which contains hydrogen peroxide, works similarly on lice and nits. As a result, if pediculosis is an issue, you can eliminate bloodsuckers while dying your hair and mix the beneficial with the essential.
Instructions for use
Because of its strong oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide cannot be used in its pure state. A 1:1 solution of 3% peroxide and water is used to treat the scalp and hair, yielding a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution. After preparation, the solution needs to be used right away or it will lose its benefits.
You must gather all required accessories before beginning the procedure:
- a glass or enamel container for diluting hydrogen peroxide;
- a sponge for applying the composition;
- latex gloves;
- acidified water for rinsing hair;
- a fine-toothed comb for combing out and a white cloth.
How to use hydrogen peroxide solution to kill lice and nits, step-by-step instructions:
- First, you need to thoroughly comb your hair. Put on medical latex gloves to protect your hands. Apply the solution with a sponge to individual strands of hair one by one. Process the hair along the entire length, from roots to ends. After all the hair has been processed, apply the solution to the scalp. Try to do all manipulations as quickly as possible, avoiding getting the solution on your face, especially your eyes and nose. To prevent the preparation from evaporating, put a plastic bag or shower cap on your head.
- Procedure time is from 6 to 15 minutes. A slight burning sensation may occur, but if the pain is felt acutely, you need to immediately wash off the solution.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Rinse hair a second time with an acidified solution – warm water with a spoonful of vinegar and citric acid. Thanks to this, most of the dead lice and nits will be easily washed out of the hair.
- Dry the hair and comb each strand well with a special comb or just a comb with frequent, dense teeth. The purpose of this stage is to comb out all the dead individuals and, most importantly, remove all the nits from the hair. After all, in 14 days a full-fledged louse will grow from a nit, and the infestation can start again. Therefore, combing is a very important moment, it should be done for at least half an hour, and repeated for the next 2 days after treatment. The procedure is carried out in daylight, laying a white cloth to assess the results of the work.
An overview of the top lice combs, which are dependable allies in the battle against parasites, can be found on our website.
Precautions
Since peroxide is a very strong oxidizer, do not forget about safety measures when using the drug externally:
- Before starting the treatment, a sensitivity test is required – a few drops of the product should be applied to the elbow and the area behind the ear. If there is no strong burning or other painful sensations, then the procedure can be started;
- if you feel an unbearable burning sensation, the solution must be washed off immediately;
- if necessary, you can repeat the treatment only after 2 weeks – this is how much time is required for an accidentally missed nit to grow into a full-fledged individual. Also, this period is needed for hair and scalp to recover from the effects of the oxidizer;
- it is forbidden to increase the procedure time. The maximum action time of the hydrogen peroxide solution is 15 minutes. Even if there is no discomfort, after the specified time you need to rinse your hair.
Take note! You can remove lice painlessly in a single procedure if you take all the necessary precautions.
Contraindications
Similar to any medication, hydrogen peroxide should not be applied externally.
- Children"s skin is five times thinner than adults", so it is extremely sensitive. The use of peroxide solution is prohibited for children under five years of age, and from 5 to 14 years of age, only after a positive sensitivity test result. We offer an overview of safe products for children against lice and nits on our website.
- If the product gets on any open wounds, it leaves burns and scars. Therefore, before using the solution, you need to carefully examine the scalp for wounds.
- Those who naturally have dry and brittle hair are better off using more gentle products to treat pediculosis.
Side effects
Peroxide can effectively and quickly get rid of lice and nits in a short amount of time if all safety precautions are taken. Neglecting precautions usually has unintended consequences.
Adverse reactions to using hydrogen peroxide solution to treat pediculosis include:
- hair lightening by 1–2 tones;
- dry scalp and hair;
- hair loss and split ends;
- burns behind the ears, on the neck and rarely on the scalp;
- allergic reactions, redness, itching, peeling of the scalp.
Since hydrogen peroxide has the ability to irritate the scalp and harm hair, it should be used carefully when treating lice and nits. Although it might aid in the death of lice, it is not always successful in killing nits, or eggs, and misuse can result in burns or other negative effects. It’s crucial to adhere to safety precautions, dilute the solution appropriately, and, when feasible, take into account safer, more reliable alternatives.
Price of the drug
You can only find 3% hydrogen peroxide in Russian pharmacies. In order to create a localized treatment for lice and nits, the medication is diluted 1:1 with water. A maximum of 200 milliliters of solution are needed to treat medium-length hair. That is, one application needs a 100 ml bottle of peroxide. In Russian pharmacies, a 100 ml bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide typically costs 12 rubles.
One very useful tool in the fight against pediculosis is hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, lice and nits are typically completely eradicated with just one application. However after 14 days, further treatment may be needed in rare circumstances, such as those involving a large lice infestation or long, thick hair. When using peroxide once more, you will also require 1 100 ml bottle, which will cost approximately 12 rubles.
A complete course of treatment with hydrogen peroxide solution for pediculosis costs between 12 and 24 rubles.
Pros and cons
Benefits
- Peroxide has a low price, which is its main advantage.
- Hydrogen peroxide is always available in any pharmacy in every city.
- Most often, a positive result is already after the first use.
- The drug does not contain toxic substances, all components are biodegradable.
Drawbacks:
- Age restrictions. Peroxide should not be used by children under 5 years old, with caution for children under 14 years old. But it is children who are most often susceptible to pediculosis.
- Aggressive effect on the scalp and hair. This drug is still an oxidizer, so even if all precautions are taken, it dries out the hair and scalp. Therefore, restoration of vital forces is required with the help of nourishing masks.
- Probably, light hair lightening.
- In rare cases, burns, hair loss, allergic reactions.
An inexpensive and powerful treatment for lice and nits is hydrogen peroxide. However, it’s crucial to follow all safety instructions and familiarize yourself with any potential side effects before using the medication.
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| Question | Answer |
| Is hydrogen peroxide effective against lice? | Hydrogen peroxide can kill lice, but it may not be completely effective in eliminating all lice and nits. It"s important to combine it with other treatments. |
| Does it remove nits? | Peroxide may not fully remove nits, which are the eggs. Manual removal using a fine-tooth comb is often needed. |
| How should it be used? | It can be mixed with water and applied to the scalp for 10-15 minutes, followed by rinsing and combing to remove dead lice and nits. |
| Is it safe for the scalp? | Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the scalp and damage hair if used frequently. Always dilute and avoid overuse. |
| Are there better alternatives? | Over-the-counter lice treatments or natural remedies may be safer and more effective than hydrogen peroxide. |
While using hydrogen peroxide to treat lice and nits can be beneficial, prudence is advised. When used improperly, it can cause irritation to the scalp or damage to the hair, even though it works by dissolving the lice’s outer layers and their eggs.
To reduce risks, dilute hydrogen peroxide and apply it according to the recommended time if you choose to use it. Always do a patch test on a small portion of skin first to make sure there won’t be any negative reactions.
Ultimately, although hydrogen peroxide may be effective in certain situations, there exist alternative, gentler therapies. Before depending solely on peroxide to treat lice and nits, it’s important to take those alternatives into account.
