Is Lice Treatment Safe During Pregnancy

Lice Treatment While Being Pregnant

Having come to terms with the fact that you do have a case of head lice through no fault of your own, you will likely want to move onto the next most pressing matter at hand: Is there a lice treatment safe for pregnancy? At LiceDoctors, we can assure you that, yes, there is. While you would likely want to be more selective regarding the treatment option you choose, lice treatment in pregnancy is possible. Ariel in Indianapolis called us recently to thank us for helping her family to get rid of the case of head lice that had infested the family. She is pregnant with her third child and when she discovered that she has head lice, she immediately called her pediatrician to ask his advice about chemical lice shampoos – namely how it would affect her baby? He advised her to call LiceDoctors. The reason for that is, he told her that our all-natural plans work and that treatments are SAFE.

Head Lice During Pregnancy Treatment & Preventive Measures

In this Article

Pregnancy is one of the most difficult times in the life of a woman. After the initial euphoria of learning that a baby is on the way, pregnancy starts to affect the mother in ways shed never imagined. A whole lot of hormones are released into the bloodstream, and this time is also accompanied by physical and emotional changes. In short, worrying about louse eggs or lice is the last thing that any person would want during pregnancy.

There are many lice treatments on offer and are available in the most basic medical stores. However, as an expecting mother, the only thing that will be on your mind will be whether these lice treatments are safe for your child. Chemical shampoos may contain pesticides, which have been linked towards brain damage and autism in the unborn child if used- the choice as to how to treat lice is an important one.

In this article, let us take a look at what lice infestation means, and how it can be treated without bringing about any harm to your child.

Best Natural: Head Hunters Complete Pro Lice Kit

The ingredients in this lice treatment from Head Hunters Naturals are lovely, but they’re bad news for lice. This mix of natural ingredients, including lemon and eucalyptus oils, is designed to tackle lice and super lice and take no prisoners. To use, apply the formula, then rinse it off before coming out the nits and dead lice.

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Lice Treatments While Pregnant

While over-the-counter and prescription remedies for lice removal are often effective, pregnant women may be hesitant to use these chemicals because of concerns that they might damage the unborn baby. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, contraindicates the use of at least one prescription lice product, lidane shampoo, for pregnant women. Since lice do not go away on their own, treatment is necessary to destroy both the adult lice and their eggs, or nits.

Permethrin Topical Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Warnings

Permethrin topical is also known as: Acticin, Elimite, Lice Bedding Spray, Lyclear, Nix, Nix Complete Lice Treatment System, Nix Cream Rinse, Nix Lice Control, Orange Medic Head Lice Treatment, Orange Medic Plus Head Lice Treatment, Pyrifoam Lice Breaker, Quellada Head Lice Treatment, Quellada Head Lice Treatment for Short Hair, Quellada Scabies Treatment, RID Home Lice Control Spray for Surfaces, Ravine Anti-Lice Medicated Treatment

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 12, 2021.

• Breastfeeding Warnings

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Is It Safe To Use Lice Treatments While Pregnant

Just the mention of lice will make you scratch your head compulsively for hours. Add pregnancy to the mix, and lice just might send you over the edge. I can only imagine how panicked I would have been if i’d discovered an itchy louse creeping around my head while I had a baby on board. An event such as this would surely have me on the phone with my doctor in no time. My guess is that OB-GYNs everywhere have received this call many times from frantic moms-to-be who want to know one thing: is it safe to use lice treatments while pregnant? Because using certain chemicals and treatments could raise concern.

It doesn’t matter how you got them â once you have lice you need to get rid of them, and the sooner the better. But even though you’re anxious to evict those scratch-causing buggers, you may may wonder if certain treatments will have any negative effects on the baby. Well, you will be relieved to know that the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had no mention or warnings for pregnant women using over the counter treatments for lice. However, it’s always wise to check the packaging on the product for manufacturer’s warnings before buying. If a product recommends pregnant woman not use their brand, it’s best to put that back on the shelf.

What Are Head Lice

Head lice refer to small insects that live on the scalp and thrive by feeding on the blood it retrieves by biting the scalp. In most cases, lice do not carry any sort of diseases or germs; they simply cause irritation and itching by biting the scalp. The only cause of concern is that adult female lice attach themselves to the root of the hair and lay eggs there within 7 to 10 days of being born. Therefore, they multiply in no time and cause further discomfort.

It is extremely easy to contract a lice infestation, as it spreads via the slightest head-to-head contact in most cases. If a person is infested by lice, it is important to ensure that she does not have any common combs, towels, hats, etc. to prevent the infestation from spreading. At the same time, the affected person may consider taking lice treatment. But, in the case of pregnant women, this might not be an option. Read on to know more.

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Natural Lice Treatments During Pregnancy

Lice are small insects that live on blood from the scalp. Transmission of lice generally occurs through direct contact because lice crawl but cannot fly or jump. Most commonly occurring in children, lice can be spread by sharing items such as hats, combs, brushes, hair accessories, towels, pillows, clothing, and headphones. The good news is that they do not carry viral or bacterial diseases. But youll want to give natural lice treatments a try since youre pregnant.

Symptoms of lice include an itchy scalp, visible lice on the scalp, and nits on hair shafts. Lice can be difficult to see as they are small, move quickly, and their nits tend to blend in with hair.; You may not even realize you have lice. If it is your first time to have lice, it can take 2 to 6 weeks before you experience any itching.

Best Overall: Rid Lice Killing Shampoo

When parents just want to rid their kids of lice, they turn to RID. Its been effectively treating lice for more than a decade, and parents find it works. To use, apply the formula to dry hair, rinse, then comb through with a nit comb . Then, seven to 10 days later, you repeat the process again to ensure there are no lice left standing. It claims to be 100 percent effective, and while some customer reviews disagree, the majority say it works as promised.

This formula is recommended for adults and kids age two and over. While some dont like the harsh formula, most customers say its tough enough to get the job done.

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Natural Ways To Treat Head Lice

These natural ways can be used by pregnant women to treat head lice but with some care.

• Tea tree oil in its pure form can get rid of lice without causing any harm to your fetus. You will need to mix a few drops of the oil in baby shampoo and apply it on your scalp while bathing. Depending on the extent of the infestation, massage it into the scalp. Let it stay for around half an hour, after which you can rinse your hair thoroughly. You can repeat this method as many times as needed.
• Nitpicking is another great way to help you get rid of lice. First, divide the scalp into eight manageable areas, and then comb each one thoroughly with a lice comb to get rid of as many lice as possible. Then, you can use your fingers for a more thorough search. Repeat this after a week to get rid of the lice from the hatched eggs.
• Lavender oil, neem oil, eucalyptus oil, and clove oil are also great to combat lice infestation.
• Wet combing can also help get rid of lice. After a thorough head wash, comb your hair . Then, use a lice comb to remove as many head lice as possible. You can also part your hear in several sections and use your fingers to search through clean the infestation.

Reason For Lice In Pregnancy

Lice always happen at the most inconvenient of times, when you least expect it. You will agree, when planning for the birth of a child, it is pretty inconvenient to get lice. When trying to understand how one would get lice in pregnancy, you only need to know how any other person who is not pregnant would get lice. The most common way that lice are transmitted is by way of direct contact of your head with another personâs head that has a lice infestation. The bugs simply crawl from one head to another. While uncommon, it is also possible to get lice from inanimate objects like scarves or hats, or even bus, airplane, or train seats. To be sure, there was nothing you did or did not do that put you at any additional risk of getting head lice compared with the risk you had prior to your pregnancy.

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How To Treat Lice Nits During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a difficult time, without having to worry about lice and nits infestation. Using chemicals to treat lice during pregnancy isnt safe, since chemical shampoos contain pesticides.;Commercial lice treatments like Nix even contain permethrin, which has been linked to autism and brain damage during fetal development. So, can you safely treat the lice and nits while pregnant?

Here are some at home remedies for lice pregnancy that are safe to use during any trimester:

Mayonnaise or Olive Oil, and Shower Cap: Both mayonnaise and olive oil contain omega-3 fats. Not only are these fats super healthy for your hair they make your scalp and hair roots slippery, making it hard for adult lice to hang on. These fats also weigh your hair down, suffocating lice and nymphs. As for nits, mayo and olive oil loosen the glue holding the nits to the hair shaft, letting you comb them out easily. You can also put Vaseline in your hair place of mayo or olive oil. To apply, simply lather hair in mayonnaise and olive oil, roll the hair into a shower cap, and leave on at night while sleeping repeat as needed.

Cost This method costs under $30 at most pharmacies

Get Rid of Remaining Lice Nits

How Are Head Lice Spread

Head lice can be passed between children by contact with personal items, for example shared combs and brushes.

The spread of lice among preschool and school children is common and should not be seen as a sign of poor hygiene.

Lice need warmth and blood to survive. They do not live for long on clothing, bedding or personal items.

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How Effective Is A Chemical Treatment Of Head Lice

There are chemicals you can buy at the chemist that kill head lice and are known to be safe for children aged more than 6 months, but there is no single chemical treatment that will work for everyone. Lice can develop resistance to the chemicals.

If you decide to use a chemical, it is important that you follow the instructions closely that come with it. You will need to repeat the chemical method within 7 days, as most treatments do not kill the eggs. The only way to test whether the treatment has worked is to use a nit comb and look for any live lice. If it has not worked, do not use the same chemical again switch to another chemical, or use the comb and conditioner method.

Medicated Lotions And Sprays

Ask a pharmacist for advice if you have tried wet combing for 17 days, but your child still has live head lice.

They may recommend using medicated lotions and sprays. These kill head lice in all types of hair, and you can buy them from pharmacies, supermarkets or online.

Head lice should die within a day. Some lotions and sprays come with a comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

Some treatments need to be repeated after a week to kill any newly hatched lice.

Check the pack to see if they’re OK for you or your child and how to use them.

If lotions or sprays do not work, speak to a pharmacist about other treatments.

Some treatments are not recommended because they’re unlikely to work.

For example:

• head lice “repellents”
• electric combs for head lice
• tree and plant oil treatments, such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and lavender oil herbal remedies

The charity Community Hygiene Concern has a video about wet combing for head lice.

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Natural Ways To Treat Lice

• Tea tree oil in its pure form can get rid of lice without causing any harm to your fetus. You will need to mix a few drops of the oil in baby shampoo and apply it on your scalp while bathing. According to the extent of the infestation, massage it into the scalp. Let it stay on the hair for around half an hour, after which you can rinse your hair thoroughly. You can repeat this method as many times as required.
• Nitpicking is another great way to help you get rid of lice. First, divide the scalp into eight manageable areas, and then comb each one thoroughly to get rid of as many lice as possible. Then, you can use your fingers for a more thorough search. Repeat this after a week to get rid of the lice from the hatched eggs.
• Lavender oil, neem oil, eucalyptus oil and clove oil are also great to combat lice infestation.

What Are The Dangers Of Chemical Treatments

• Most over the counter products that claim to kill head lice use the active ingredient pyrethrum.
• Although pyrethrum is only mildly toxic to human, if contact is made to broken skin is causes irritation and burning.
• Inhaling pyrethrum can result in sneezing, nasal irritation, headaches, nausea, swelling and flushing of the face, loss of coordination, tremors, convulsions, difficulty breathing.
• If left on the skin too long or overused, burning, itching and skin irritation can occur.
• Allergic responses from coming into contact with products that use pyrethrum or inhalation are also a risk. These can result in vomiting, closed off airways, feelings of dizziness and rashes.

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Lice Treatment Home Remedies

If you donât wish to use chemical treatments, talk to your doctor about other options. There are some treatments you can do yourself. These home remedies include:

• Wet combing. Simply wet the hair and use a fine-tooth comb to remove active lice and their eggs. Youâll need to do this every week for at least 3 weeks.
• Essential oils. Plant oils such as tea tree and anise may suffocate and kill lice, but itâs not clear how well this works. You can also have an allergic reaction to these and other essential oils.
• Smothering agents. Some people try to suffocate and kill lice by putting large amounts of a greasy substance on your scalp, covering with a shower cap, and leaving it on while you sleep. You can try petroleum jelly, mayonnaise, or olive oil. But these may not work well.

Are Other Hair Treatments Safe During Pregnancy

Like hair dyes, both hair bleaching and curling procedures make use of many different chemicals and we cannot assume that they have been adequately tested by regulatory bodies to ensure their safety.;There is even less information available about their safety in pregnancy. While only a small amount of these products are likely to be absorbed through the skin of a pregnant woman, you can further limit your exposure by using hair dyes cautiously, according to our checklist .

The process of chemical straightening uses a variety of different ingredients. Many use the chemical formaldehyde which should NOT be used in pregnancy. You can obtain a list of product ingredients, to check if they contain formaldehyde.However, as formaldehyde is such a dangerous product when used in pregnancy, if you cannot obtain an ingredient list, or are in any doubt, do not use the product.

Some hair treatments for removing head lice are safe. However, lindane has been shown to have harmful effects on the nervous system. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Other head lice treatments including malathion and permethrin are safe for use during pregnancy.;Lindane-containing products are available for the treatment of head lice resistant to other therapies.

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Best Shampoo: Licelogic Clear & Free Shampoo

This lice treatment comes in shampoo form. To use, you wash hair like you would any shampoo, but instead of rinsing it out, let it sit for 15 minutes, then comb out the nits with a lice comb and rinse the hair. You can also use it daily as a preventative measure to keep lice at bay. The formula is non-toxic and pesticide-free, and its infused with peppermint oil, so it has a fresh, minty scent.