Lice remedy for nursing mothers

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Svetlana Tarasova

Hairdresser-stylist with more than 8 years of experience, expert in the field of haircuts, styling, hair care, coloring.
No one is immune from lice infection. The disease is caused by parasitic lice on the scalp. It is considered social and independently cannot lead to serious consequences or death.

Symptoms in the form of itching are unpleasant for an ordinary person, but for a woman who is breastfeeding, they become a real challenge. Treatment is not difficult, but during lactation many substances are contraindicated, so you should choose treatment methods with caution.

How and where infection can occur, the causes of parasites

Lice are small insects that cannot fly, run or jump like fleas. Their movement is ensured by crawling from one hair to another. Lice infection can only occur from another person. It is impossible to become infected with lice from animals, their bites or while walking . Moreover, a nit alone cannot develop the disease, just like an adult without the opposite sex. Ideal environment for infection: clean hair and two adults of different sexes. Already from the first days of their carriage, symptoms of the disease will appear.

Are you a nursing mother? (Anonymous survey)

Not really

Ways to infect a nursing woman with lice:

1. Through a comb. Occurs when the same personal hygiene item is shared with an infected person.
2. Swimming in one body of water, pool, bath . Lice are able to remain viable in water, so they can easily crawl onto the body of a healthy person.
3. In wardrobe . The individual is unable to distinguish human hair from fur. Therefore, the wardrobe is a comfortable enough place for her to crawl from the down jacket of an infected person onto the fur coat of an infected person.
4. In public transport . On public transport you can meet people of different social levels; it is possible that the parasites are on the passenger sitting next to you. In this case, especially during rush hour, the transition is carried out in close contact on a crowded bus.
5. From children . A nursing mother, having several children, one of whom has grown up and goes to kindergarten or school, is at risk of contracting lice.

IMPORTANT! It is impossible to completely protect yourself from lice. The period of breastfeeding, with a lack of free time to carry out more thorough hygienic procedures and in the presence of weakened immunity after childbirth, becomes an aggravating factor for the development of parasitosis.

Prevention

You can read about primary prevention measures here. To prevent re-infection, a nursing mother needs to approach personal hygiene issues with full responsibility:

wash your hair at least once a week; change bed linen and clothes at least twice a week; If possible, wash clothes at high temperatures; After washing, carefully iron the items, paying special attention to the seam area; If possible, avoid close contact with strangers who may be carriers of parasites.

Thus, pediculosis is not such a terrible disease, but, nevertheless, it is better to avoid it during breastfeeding. That is why a nursing mother should try to be in very crowded places less often, and also carefully monitor her health.

Learn more about lice in this video:

What is the danger with GW? Possible complications

During breastfeeding, especially in the first months, when the physiological process of milk production is just beginning to stabilize, it is extremely important for a woman to rest, be at peace and spend more time with her baby. The presence of lice has a bad effect on lactation, since due to debilitating itching, burning and the awareness that not the most pleasant parasites live in the hair, it is difficult to achieve psycho-emotional comfort.

When feeding and caring for a child, there is a high risk of infecting the child. A newborn may already have poor sleep, digestive problems and other physiological and pathological conditions, so the symptoms of lice will also harm the general condition of the child.

Symptoms of lice

Very severe itching caused by a substance secreted by lice. Red and blue bite marks appear on the head, neck and behind the ears. White flakes of lice eggs - nits - are visible on the hair. These flakes resemble dandruff. But nits stick tightly to the hair and cannot be shaken off.

Lice feed exclusively on human blood; in order to get to the vessel, they bite through the scalp. At this moment, a person may feel pain like a mosquito bite. And when itching appears, it means that the insect secretes a secretion that prevents blood clotting.

REFERENCE! As a result of lice infestation, sleep is disturbed, psychological discomfort occurs and irritability increases. The main side effects are neuropsychiatric disorders.

Can I use chemicals and insecticides while breastfeeding?

When treating head lice in a nursing mother, permethrin, an insecticide found in many medications, should be avoided. And before using products based on cyclomethicone and isopropyl myristate, you should consult your doctor. Therefore, a woman who is going through a period of lactation needs to focus on safer means in the fight against pediculosis.

IMPORTANT! According to the recommendations of doctors, the use of chemicals is permissible, but in each clinical case the need for their use is decided on an individual basis. The more pronounced the symptoms and the degree of spread of parasites, the more appropriate the prescription of drugs.

When prescribing chemicals, the doctor takes into account the age of the child. In the early period of breastfeeding, up to 6 months, it is preferable to use traditional medicine and medications approved for lactation. If the child has already been introduced to complementary foods and is partially transferred to formula, the woman can receive recommendations for treatment with prohibited drugs for breastfeeding, but during the period of therapy she will need to express milk.

Safe products for expectant and nursing mothers

It is necessary to remove lice from pregnant women as soon as possible in order to prevent further development of head lice and relieve the expectant mother from stress caused by the presence of parasites. Pharmacy preparations for lice are the most effective, but many of them are contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is very important to choose for treatment only those medications that do not contain aggressive insecticides and have the most natural composition.

Shampoos

Shampoos are the form of lice treatment that is most often prescribed to pregnant women. The safest products for lice and nits for pregnant women are those that contain silicones and mineral oils.

Pedilin

Among the shampoos suitable for expectant and nursing mothers:

• Pedilin - in case of severe infection, used in combination with an emulsion;
• Nit Free - the product is based on natural ingredients (tea tree oil, mint, coconut, eucalyptus);
• Veda 2 - the concentration of the active substance permethrin is low, so the drug does not have a negative effect on the body of the woman and the fetus.

These shampoos will get rid of lice and will not cause harm to mother and baby during pregnancy and lactation.

Sprays

Sprays are another popular remedy for head lice for pregnant women. The drugs released in this form are convenient to use and the effectiveness of their use is high. Most often, the following are prescribed for the treatment of head lice in pregnant women:

• Paranit Sensitive - the product is indicated for use in children over one year of age; during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is also no negative impact on the child;
• Nyuda is a product containing silicone dimethicone;
• Para Plus - the manufacturer does not indicate pregnancy in the list of contraindications, but notes that relevant studies have not been adequately conducted.

To prevent re-infection with parasites, we recommend Lysgard spray, which has an absolutely natural composition.

Ointments

When choosing a remedy for head lice for pregnant women, you should not rely only on advertising or the popularity of the brand. For example, the well-known line of Pediculen Ultra products is contraindicated for women expecting a child and breastfeeding. The safest creams and ointments for head lice are:

• Nyx - the drug contains Canadian fir balsam, the cream is approved for children from six months old, as well as for women during breastfeeding;
• Medifox - a gel-like preparation for lice is approved for use during pregnancy, but with caution and mandatory prior consultation with a doctor.

Also, to get rid of lice, pregnant women can use oil from the Nit Free line of anti-lice products.

The best remedies against lice and nits

If we consider the safest lice remedies suitable for treating pregnant women, we can make the following list:

• Nuda - shampoo and spray contain silicones, as well as jojoba oil, which cares for the scalp and hair;

Nyuda

• Pedilin - shampoo and emulsion perfectly complement each other in the treatment of advanced head lice;
• Nit Free - a line of pediculicidal products includes shampoo, mousse, oil, gel and spray, based on natural ingredients;
• Paranit is a shampoo and spray containing white mineral oil and silicones.

All of the listed remedies for lice are allowed not only for pregnant women, but also for children and nursing mothers.

Security measures

When carrying out therapy, certain safety precautions should be observed. They will prevent further development of the disease, the spread of parasites to other family members and unwanted effects from the medications used.

Safety precautions when treating lice:

1. It is mandatory to wash all linen that is used by all family members.
2. Dry clean absolutely all hats - from scarves to hats.
3. Each family member should use an individual comb, personal towel, pillow.
4. For the entire period of treatment, the woman sleeps in isolation.
5. Under no circumstances should she breastfeed while she has lice medication on her head.
6. The patient's head must be examined every week..

Your attending physician can advise you on additional safety measures based on your specific situation.

For prevention

• try not to contact sick people (if you see symptoms of head lice);
• if there are adult children in the house who are already attending school or kindergarten, then regularly examine their heads for the presence of pediculosis pathogens and, if you notice them, then immediately begin treatment;
• do not give your personal belongings to other people, even if they are friends or relatives;
• do not use other people's things, especially combs and hats;
• maintain hygiene regularly;
• Wash clothes and change bed linen more often, especially after guests if they stayed overnight.

Well, that's all, my dear friends. I hope my tips will help you quickly and safely cure head lice. If you have already tried something from the article, then write your reviews and also share your experience (perhaps you will recommend something else).

Be sure to subscribe to site updates and share what you read with your friends on social networks if you are interested. All the best to you! See you again!

Author of the article: Elena Smirnova (dermatologist)

Publication date: 16-11-2017

The first months of a baby's life are a special period for every mother. At this time, it is very important for a woman to receive a variety of positive emotions, as well as to feel the care and love of relatives.

However, such wonderful moments can be ruined by the appearance of lice in a woman - a trouble from which no one is currently immune.

Let's find out how to remove lice from a nursing mother without harming her health and the baby.

How to get rid of lice for a nursing mother

Therapy for lice in lactating women differs in the methods of exposure and the means used for this. The main types are:

• mechanical;
• thermal;
• chemical.

Among the chemical methods of combating pediculosis, one can highlight therapy with drugs and folk remedies.

Combing is a mechanical effect on parasites

Combing is one of the mandatory techniques when fighting parasitosis . If the disease is not very widespread and there are not many nits, then this will be enough for a complete cure. Pharmacies sell anti-pediculosis combs, which have teeth often spaced next to each other, and their ends are treated with a special composition that is safe for use.

Combing should be used not only for the purpose of primary treatment, but also as a complex therapy when using other means and methods of influence. The process is painstaking and can last up to several hours over several days. This depends on the thickness and length of the hair, as well as the type of underlying treatment.

Pharmacy products

In pharmacies, the range is constantly expanding and when purchasing, you should always take into account the instructions in the instructions about the possibility of use for breastfeeding. The most popular and effective are: Nyuda, Nyx, Delacet.

Nyuda

Nuda spray is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. By enveloping lice and their eggs with a film, the spray blocks the insects' access to oxygen. It is applied to each strand along the entire length and left for 35 minutes. Then the dead larvae are combed out and the scalp and the entire length of the hair are thoroughly washed several times with running water. First without using cosmetics, then with them. The product is difficult to wash off from the scalp because it is too greasy, so you should rinse your hair 1-2 times using shampoo for oily hair.

Lice and nits can be noticed already when washing off the medicinal composition, as they lose their adhesion to the skin and hair cuticle. While your hair is wet, you should comb it thoroughly with a comb.

Cream Nyx

A German drug, indicated for pregnant and nursing mothers, prepared on a natural basis.

The cream has a suffocating effect on lice, disrupting adhesion to the skin. It is used as shampoo, applied in an even layer to damp hair. Leave for 15-20 minutes, then wash off with warm running water and subject to mechanical stress.

Delacet

"Delacet" is an economical medicine. Contains acetic acid, which helps to easily comb out lice and nits. The drug has no contraindications and is approved for use by pregnant and lactating women. Suitable for frequent use.

Or maybe it’s better to try folk remedies?

Yes, it will indeed be better this way, since folk remedies are generally non-toxic to humans (if used correctly). And what folk remedies are worth trying? The safest and most effective at the same time are:

• cranberry juice – should be applied to hair and skin;
• pomegranate decoction - used in a similar way;
• tar soap - you need to wash your hair with this soap every day until complete recovery.

Anti-pediculosis folk remedies based on vinegar are especially popular. During pregnancy and lactation, I would not recommend you try these products.

The fact is that they can cause harm - cause chemical burns, dandruff, dry out hair, etc.

By the way, all of the above treatment methods will not be 100% effective without the procedure described below. Do you want to know what kind of procedure this is? Then read the article to the end!

Lice shampoo for nursing mothers

The shampoo is a universal product suitable for daily use. They are used not only for treatment, but also for prevention in women who share common life with infected people.

LiceGuard shampoos

LiceGuard shampoos are completely non-toxic . The principle of action of the drug is to soften the capsule with nits and destroy the substance due to which they are located on the hair.

After washing, comb the hair well with a fine-toothed comb . The substances included in the composition contribute to easy combing, which is especially valuable for owners of long and thick hair.

This brand of shampoo can only be ordered online, as it is not available in pharmacies.

Paranit: lotion and shampoo

The preparation is based on essential oils. They have a suffocating effect on lice and their nits . To completely cure the disease, it is recommended to apply the product to the head several times during the week, with an interval of 1-2 days.

Paranitis has a significant drawback - it is difficult to wash off from the scalp. Therefore, after using it, you must use a regular cosmetic shampoo for oily hair.

Emulsion and shampoo "Pedilin"

The product, which contains a small amount of malathion, is classified as an organophosphate insecticide . Tetramerine is a synthetic pyrethrin, but it is quite safe for the health of a nursing mother.

If there are not many lice, using only shampoo will be enough . If the lice have already multiplied, apply the emulsion and leave for half an hour. Next, wash off the hair with shampoo and remove dead individuals and nits with a comb.

How to remove lice from a nursing mother?

Pharmacy medications are the most effective.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and, after the examination, strictly follow his recommendations. If you decide to carry out drug treatment, you can use the following drugs:

1. Pedilin, which is produced in the form of shampoo. It has no negative side effects when used in breastfeeding women.
2. You can use Decelate, which contains natural ingredients. The most active of them is the extract from common grass.
3. Nick cream, made from Canadian fir, has proven itself well.
4. Paranit is a universal drug that is sold in pharmacies in the form of shampoo, spray or lotion. This is the safest drug that destroys parasites the first time.

Nursing mothers can use traditional medicine:

• vinegar can be used at a concentration of 6%. It must be diluted with water;
• tar soap , which is kept on the hair for 30 minutes and washed off with water. After one procedure, all adult individuals will be destroyed;
• essential oils of fir, tea tree, clove;
• decoctions of medicinal herbs : tansy, wormwood, mint.

When using herbal ingredients, allergies may occur. Therefore, a test should be performed before treatment.

It is strictly not recommended to use the following products for pediculosis:

1. Hellebore water, since the presence of alcohol in it can negatively affect the child due to its entry into the circulatory system.
2. Kerosene has toxic components that penetrate into the blood. This can harm the health of mother and child.
3. It is necessary to abandon all drugs that contain permethrin.

Folk remedies for pediculosis

Folk remedies in the treatment of pediculosis are the most preferable. When used correctly, they are safe. Available and inexpensive substances are used as ingredients.

Treatment with vinegar

Table, apple, rice, beer or wine vinegar are suitable for treating head lice . The exception is vinegar essence, as it has a high percentage of acidity and, if diluted incorrectly, can harm the scalp.

Vinegar should be diluted in water in a ratio of 1:2 and applied to the scalp and hair. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks. Then you need to comb your hair with a comb. Vinegar also serves as a disinfectant, which is also useful for killing lice and their eggs from the scalp. Helps eliminate unpleasant symptoms such as itching and burning.

Treatment with kerosene and turpentine

Pregnant and lactating women should absolutely not use kerosene and turpentine in the treatment of head lice. These products are toxic, leave chemical burns and have a strong unpleasant odor.

Onion and garlic treatment

By producing sulfur dioxide, these two plants are excellent at fighting head lice . Sulfur oxide corrodes the chitinous cover of lice and nits, causing them to die. To prepare the mask, you need to grate 3 parts of onion (it is better to use regular onion) and chop 1 part of garlic. After mixing thoroughly, let it sit for 7-10 minutes and distribute evenly over the scalp and the entire length of the hair.

The composition has a significant drawback - an unpleasant odor remains for a long time. It is difficult to wash it off with shampoo alone, so rinse your hair with dill water or infusion of bay leaf. To add a pleasant aroma, you can rub your curls with concentrated citrus or jasmine oils.

Essential oils

Tea tree, burdock, lavender or geranium oil has a caring effect and serves as a preventative. It repels lice with its scent and helps to comb them out, so they are applied to the entire length of the hair after applying the main therapeutic effect and mechanical combing begins.

How to treat pediculosis during lactation with pharmaceutical products

It is more difficult for a nursing mother to get rid of lice for several reasons. Lack of time, lack of sleep and other factors cause nervous excitement, which further increases itching and leads to scratching of the skin. Infection gets into the micro-wounds. This threatens secondary infection.

Against the background of weakened immunity, local inflammation or rash often appears on the scalp.

To provide first aid, the doctor prescribes complex treatment. Nursing mothers are allowed the same medications as babies. The first disinfection is carried out immediately after the detection of parasites, the second 7 days later - after the end of the incubation period.

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Temperature effect

Heating adults and nits can lead to their immediate death. Therefore, after washing, it is recommended to dry your hair with a hairdryer at maximum speed and with high heat. In this case, there is a high risk of spreading parasites throughout the room, so an alternative and safer method is to use a special hair straightening iron. Each strand of hair is passed through the tongs and then combed thoroughly.

REFERENCE! For blondes and owners of light-colored hair, there is an effective additional method of treatment - coloring. Lightening dyes, although they have a destructive effect on parasites and discolor hair, are not contraindicated for nursing mothers, since the composition does not pass into breast milk. Nits and lice die instantly and their number will sharply decrease even after a single staining. The method should be used with caution when there is a large area of ​​skin damage, as there is a high risk of getting a chemical burn.

Prevention of head lice

To limit yourself from contracting head lice, a nursing mother needs to take a number of measures to ensure the safety of her health:

1. It is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene : daily showering, combing hair, washing followed by ironing and cleaning the premises.
2. Individual use of a comb, hat, elastic band, hairpin.
3. Periodic mutual examination of family members after their long absence.

If a nursing mother has older children, especially those who visit public places and social groups (kindergarten, school), she should inspect their hair and clothes. Therapy for pediculosis is easier and the symptoms are not so pronounced in the initial stages, so it is worth preventing the development of such an unpleasant disease.

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What about creams?

How else can you remove lice from a nursing mother? Budget options - creams and ointments costing from 120 rubles. The need to carefully distribute the contents of the jar throughout the hair and the long washout of the oily texture complicates the process. However, the effect is worth it. Nyx is a low-concentration drug with permethrin.

A single application protects against blood suckers for 2-4 weeks. The main thing is to follow the dosages specified by the manufacturer. A tube with a comb will cost about 600 rubles.

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