Head lice (kuto) infestation among Filipino children is common. I myself had it as a child. Thankfully, the parasitic infection that had afflicted me was of a relatively mild nature.
It was largely thanks to my mother’s efforts that I managed to steer clear of those vexing and unsightly red bumps that are commonly associated with this type of parasitic infection in young children.
Back then, it wasn’t common to buy anti-lice medication. Organic ingredients found in the kitchen and a lice brush were the norms when it comes to removing lice. And while the lice brush and natural ingredients helped a lot, they did not completely eradicate those pesky parasites.
Natural Home Remedies for Head Louse or Kuto
However, a study I found while researching head lice remedies showed that certain natural ingredients worked well together to treat lice infestations in children.
If you have been looking for organic ingredients to cure lice in children without success, put an end to your worries. Through the proper application of natural ingredients, we can beef up our chances of success in eliminating those irksome insects.
Here is a link to the natural treatment or home remedy that yields positive results among children afflicted with lice infestation in Metro Manila based on a case study.
However, please do a skin test before applying the mixture on your children to ensure they will not suffer any adverse reactions to the treatment.
Home Remedies for Head Louse [Kuto] Can Also Harm Children
Using natural ingredients in a safe manner is crucial to ensure your child’s safety and well-being.
There is a common misconception that natural ingredients are always safe. Such assumption could not have been farther from the truth. While nature is often associated with purity and wellness, improper use of natural ingredients may cause harm.
Thus, it’s critical to realize that just because something is labeled as ” organic or natural,” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. Despite being generally considered safe and beneficial for humans, children react differently to varying compositions of certain organic ingredients.
Natural ingredients such as vinegar, coconut oil, calamansi, or mayonnaise can cause allergic reactions in some people, including children.
It is then crucial to follow the necessary precautions by performing a skin test before using the calamansi- vinegar-coconut milk concoction as a remedy for children suffering from head lice infestation.
Safety Measures to Follow When Using Natural Remedies for Head Louse [Kuto]
1. Skin test:
Use a small amount of the natural ingredient and apply it to a small area of the child’s skin, such as the elbow crease. Wait 24-48 hours to see if any negative reactions occur.
If no negative reaction occurs, repeat the same procedure on the small area of the neck. Again, if there is no adverse reaction, you can now apply the organic ingredient to the scalp and hair.
2. Monitor the child for signs of allergic reactions when using home remedies for head louse or kuto.
Symptoms to watch for:
Hives
Trouble breathing
Swelling of the face
Lips
Tongue
Throat, etc.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if the child experiences any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
4. Use in small amounts (when using home remedies for head louse or kuto)
For safety purposes, use the natural ingredient in small amounts even if there were no adverse reactions during the skin test. Observe for negative reactions as the amount is gradually increased.
5. Consult with a healthcare provider
If you have any questions or concerns about testing natural ingredients in children, seek the advice of a physician, such as a pediatrician or an allergist.
If your child has an allergic reactions to the natural mixture stated above (coconut, vinegar, and calamansi), you may want to try other options to remove kuto or head louse.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Head Lice or Kuto
- What is kuto? (Head louse)
Head louse or kuto is a small, wingless parasite living on the scalp and hair shafts of humans. This insect subsists on blood to survive and can be itchy and irritating for those afflicted with the disease. - Is louse the same as lice? Yes. Lice is just the plural form of louse (singular form)
Signs and Symptoms of Head Lice Or Louse
Common Symptoms Are As Follows:
1. Itching and scratching of the scalp
Itching is one of the most common symptoms of head lice. The itching sensation is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva produced by head lice in the affected area.
2. The presence of nits or lice on the scalp or hair
3. Tickling or crawling sensation:
When lice crawl, children may feel a tickling or crawling sensation on their scalps and nape.
4. Red bumps
The scalp and neck can develop red bumps or sores after being bitten by head lice. These bumps or sores may be extremely itchy, causing further irritation and discomfort for the child afflicted by them.
5. Swollen lymph nodes
Head lice can sometimes cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. To prevent this, it is important to take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of head lice infestations.
6. Irritability
Head lice can make your child irritable and disrupt their sleep significantly. In order to survive, these parasites draw blood from the scalp, and as a consequence, leave behind traces of their saliva. Residues like these can trigger allergies in children, causing severe itching and persistent scratching.
Note:
- Not everyone with head lice will experience all symptoms, and some may not experience any at all, which is why it is important to pay close attention.
- We must be reminded that early treatment is crucial to prevent head louse or kuto from reproducing and infecting others in the household. The sooner, the better.
Information provided here should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for medical advice. A healthcare professional should be consulted if you have questions about head lice or if you suspect you might have a parasitic infection.
Matos, R., & Agapinan-Alfonso, M. (2012, June 1). A randomized controlled study on the efficacy of Coconut milk-Vinegar-Calamansi concoction versus 5% permethrin for the treatment of head lice among the pediatric age group in an urban poor community in metro Manila. International Journal of Infectious Diseases; Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2012.05.707