Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp, feeding on small amounts of blood. These common parasites can cause itching and discomfort, often spreading through direct head-to-head contact, especially among school-aged children. While various commercial treatments exist, some individuals explore home remedies, with mayonnaise being a widely discussed option.
How Mayonnaise Works for Lice
Mayonnaise is believed to treat head lice by physically suffocating them. The thick, oily consistency of mayonnaise is thought to coat the lice, blocking their breathing apparatus and depriving them of oxygen. This method is a physical approach to immobilize and potentially kill adult lice and younger lice (nymphs) by cutting off their air supply.
Mayonnaise does not affect nits, which are lice eggs. Nits do not breathe in the same way adult lice do, allowing them to survive mayonnaise treatment and hatch later, potentially leading to re-infestation. Therefore, while mayonnaise aims to suffocate living lice, it does not offer a complete solution for eliminating an infestation.
Application and Duration
To apply mayonnaise for lice treatment, gather full-fat mayonnaise, a shower cap, and a fine-toothed nit comb. Low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise varieties do not contain enough oil to effectively smother lice. Apply a generous amount of mayonnaise to dry hair, ensuring that the entire scalp and every strand of hair are thoroughly saturated and coated.
After applying the mayonnaise, cover the hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to create an oxygen-deprived environment. The recommended duration for leaving mayonnaise in the hair varies, but many sources suggest at least 8 to 12 hours, often leaving it on overnight. This extended period is thought to be necessary because lice can hold their breath for several hours.
Post-Treatment Steps and Considerations
After the recommended duration, removing the mayonnaise can be challenging due to its greasy nature. Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water and shampoo, which may require multiple washes to remove all residue. Some suggest applying shampoo before wetting the hair to help break down the oil.
Following the wash, use a fine-toothed nit comb to meticulously comb through the hair, section by section, to remove any dead or stunned lice and any remaining nits. Nits must be physically removed. This combing process should be repeated every 2 to 3 days for several weeks to ensure all lice and newly hatched nymphs are removed.
To prevent re-infestation, clean combs and brushes by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) for five to ten minutes or in a lice shampoo. Bedding, towels, and recently worn clothes should be washed in hot water and dried on a high heat setting.
While mayonnaise is a common home remedy, it carries potential risks such as skin irritation, a strong odor, and the possibility of salmonella exposure from raw eggs. Some experts do not recommend using mayonnaise due to its unproven efficacy and potential health risks.