Lice infestation on the human body (also known as pediculosis) is very common. Cases number in the hundreds of millions worldwide. While body lice can occasionally cause significant illness (typhus, relapsing fever and trench fever), a lice infestation is generally more of an itchy and embarrassing experience than a serious medical problem. There are many types of lice infections, and each is caused by a unique parasite.
To remove lice and other parasites from the home, meticulous cleaning of surfaces, daily vacuuming of carpets and upholstery and very hot washing of clothes, bedding and towels is required as most of them can survive at least 1 or 2 days without feeding on human blood.
Externally, lemon thyme has antiseptic properties which makes it a useful mouthwash and cleansing wash for the skin. It will destroy fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and skin parasites such as scabies, crabs and lice.
Lice hate garlic, so consuming plenty of garlic during the treatment process will make them less likely to reattach. This will not help to get rid of them and is only a preventative measure against re-infestation.
To find natural remedies for each skin parasite see the links below.
A-Z of common skin parasites
- Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)
- Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius)
- Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis)
- Chiggers (Prostigmata, harvest mites and scrub mites)
- Kissing bugs (Triatomine bugs)
- Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis, ‘crabs’)
- Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei)
NOTE: Ringworm is a fungal infection.
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Chagas disease
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Microbes and the human body
- Mosquito-borne infections
- Parasites
- Virus infections
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