Head lice - can I treat without affecting breastfeeding?

[Jackaroo]

I have just found I have head lice - urgh - but suspect that the OTC preparations would not be a good idea whilst bfding...

anybody know about other (effcient!) methods?

does conditioner really work?

what else have you used successfully?

Many thanks

J

[SoloSparklyCatherineWheel]

Nitmix

[SoloSparklyCatherineWheel]

Sorry, meant to say that this is great and to purchase their comb too as it works better than any of the ones you can buy in chemists. This stuff lastsfor ages, smells good and wont hurt during bfing.

I last ordered on a Tuesday at 12 and received it the following morning(though I admit there was no postal strike then).

[Jackaroo]

Thanks, I'll see how long it takes to get it to Oz :-) I'd still rather wait a few days and get it right first time....

cheers

J

[Shells]

Conditioner really works. But you've got to do the combing.

[lowrib]

Another vote for combing and conditioner. Last time I had nits (nearly a decade ago thankfully!) I combed them out with loads conditioner. It's the combing that does it, the conditioner just makes it easier. You have to do it a few times to catch all the newly hatched ones, but it really does work. You don't need to put poison on your head.

[FreckleFreak]

There are treatments available now that don't use pesticides that are safe to use. They are the ones that contain silicones such as dimethicone or cyclomethicone (also used in shampoo, conditioner, skin creams etc).

Alternatively, put lots of conditioner on your wet hair and thoroughly comb it with a nit comb. Repeat 2 days later or as often as needed.

Hope you manage to get rid of the little buggers soon

[Seona1973]

hedrin can be used while pregnant and breastfeeding and is supposed to be quite good.

[jardins]

My daughter has had headlice a few times and I can assure you the ONLY method I have used to get rid of the little so-and-sos for the past few years is conditioner on damp hair and 30 mins of combing. It REALLY works provided you comb regularly over a week or so and make sure you wipe the comb on kitchen roll after passing it through the hair each time AND sterilize it when you've finished each session. You do not need to buy any other products.

Good luck.

[SoloSparklyCatherineWheel]

My last lot a month or so ago, took 7 days with Nitmix and I know you'll be glad you tried it if you do...check out MadHairDay's experience of it here