does camphor kill lice eggs - #39862
I am kinda panicking over here. My daughter came home from school last week, and guess what? She had lice! We managed to get rid of most of them with the traditional treatments, but now I've heard about natural remedies. Thing is, I came across this idea about camphor and got super curious. Does camphor kill lice eggs?? I've read that some people swear by it, but I can’t find solid info on how effective it is on the lice eggs. We tried combing her hair like crazy, but the eggs are sooo hard to see and sometimes they look like dandruff. Super frustrating! I feel like I’m at a loss. If camphor can help with eliminating the eggs, do I just apply it directly on her scalp? Or is there a specific way to do it? Seems like there’s a million methods out there and I want to make sure I do this right. Also, should I be worried about its effects on her skin? Would love some advice from you guys who know the ins and outs. I'm just feeling overwhelmed, you know? Any tips on dosage or mixing it with something would be super helpful too! Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
Camphor has traditional use in various cultures for dealing with lice due to its strong scent and potential insect-repellent properties. However, its effectiveness specifically against lice eggs, or nits, is not conclusively proven in scientific studies. Nits are notoriously hard to eliminate because they’re securely glued to the hair shafts and shielded by an outer shell, making treatments challenging.
Camphor as a topical application can be irritating to the scalp, particularly for young children, and one must use it with caution. If you choose to use camphor, it’s critical to mix it well with a carrier oil like coconut oil to dilute its strength and apply it sparingly. You may prepare a mixture by gently heating a tablespoon of coconut oil and dissolving a small amount of camphor in it, then applying it to the hair and scalp. Leave it on for a couple of hours before thoroughly washing it out with a gentle shampoo to reduce irritation.
It’s also vital to keep your child under observation during this process for any adverse reaction like redness, excessive itching, or discomfort. Given camphor’s potency, never apply it directly or in an undiluted form to the skin.
In terms of advice on managing lice and nits, manual removal remains crucial. Regular use of a fine-toothed lice comb on wet hair can significantly aid in removing eggs after treating the lice. Combining this with natural oils such as neem oil or tea tree oil, also known for their insecticidal properties, can enhance your chances of success without side effects.
If you feel unsure or notice any adverse reactions, consulting a dermatologist or a healthcare expert experienced in treating lice in children is advisable. This added professional guidance ensures your daughter’s safety and helps address this issue effectively, utilizing safe practices.

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