I had recurring lice at about age twelve. We tried everything, and finally did it the way my grandmother suggested: doused 'em with kerosene. It was stupid and dangerous, but the lice didn't come back. I also got my long hair cut very short, which made me sad.
My mother reports treating hers as a small child with kerosene as well. I'm not sure hope stupid and dangerous it was, but it was probably more unpleasant than the commercial products.
K. [not sure where to buy kerosene. I guess at the hardware store]
Some chemicals are really not good for direct contact with your skin. I've heard that kerosene is one -- that if you try the kerosene treatment, you can end up with chemical burns on your scalp.
It's the fumes that freak me out. All those carcinogens. *shrugs* It worked when my Gramma did it, and it was a common thing in her family (and nobody died of cancer, as I recall). Still, *shudder*.
(Since I am reading this ages later, I am hoping you no longer need this suggestion). We too have done the recurrent head lice thing, and my daughter's hair is amazingly thick, so the comb-out is quite a production! Anyhow, my two-penn'orth is this. Completely cover the hair in olive oil (yes). Put hair in shower cap and leave on overnight. What it does is drown the lice who cannot breathe through the oil. Repeat every seven days for a few weeks to catch those just-hatched before they breed. Good luck - I know how frustrating and tedious it can be.
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(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-23 07:54 pm (UTC)Chris
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-23 08:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-23 09:22 pm (UTC)I'm so sorry to hear that. :(
I have to wonder if she has a resistant strain-- OR if she's getting reinfected at the YMCA.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-24 05:45 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-24 06:29 am (UTC)K. [not sure where to buy kerosene. I guess at the hardware store]
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-24 06:42 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-24 07:06 am (UTC)B
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-24 09:50 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-24 05:59 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-25 06:34 am (UTC)