Conditioners ‘Kill lice’

FORGET the expensive and harsh chemicals and shampoos – researchers have found the best treatment for head lice is white conditioner used on dry hair with a fine-tooth comb.

A two year study by Queensland Health researchers found chemicals were not the best way to rid children of head lice.

The tiny insects, which feed on the scalp, are only transferred by head to head contact and cannot be caught by sharing hats.

Queensland Health Minister Wendy Edmond said researchers had found head lice were resistant to some chemicals, but using an undiluted thick, white conditioner on dry hair smothered and killed the tiny black insects and their eggs, which could then be combed out.

Brushes and combs should be cleaned thoroughly in very hot water, she said.