It's every parent's nightmare - you notice your child scratching their head more than normal, take a closer look, and see something that makes your skin crawl. Lice! Now what?

In a panicked google search for solutions, using bleach is often one of the first suggestions that comes up. But is pouring bleach onto your kid's head really the best solution? I decided to dig into the details to find out.

What Are Lice Anyway?

First, let's back up a second. What exactly are these little bugs that have infiltrated your kid's hair?

There are three main kinds of lice that live on humans:

• Head lice - These tiny insects live on the scalp and feed on blood. They're most common in kids since transmission often happens by close contact. No one wants to be the parent who passes head lice around the classroom!

• Body lice - These lice don't actually live on your body, but rather in clothing and bedding. They come out to feed on blood periodically.

• Pubic lice - Also charmingly known as "crabs," these lice like to live in the pubic hair and other coarse hair on the body.

Lice go through three main life stages:

• Egg (nit) - Lice lay tiny oval shaped eggs that cling to the base of hair strands. They're usually yellowish-white and can look like dandruff.

• Nymph - After about a week, the eggs hatch into baby lice called nymphs. They look like smaller versions of the adults.

• Adult - Nymphs mature into adult lice after about 7-10 days. These are the size of a sesame seed and can survive for about a month on your head.

The adults are the only lice that can lay eggs. So to fully get rid of an infestation, you need to kill off all the adults before they can lay more eggs!

How Do You Get Rid of Lice?

Now that we know what we're dealing with, how the heck can you kill these things and remove them from your kid's head?

Unfortunately, lice have evolved to withstand the torture of living on humans. They can survive through a lot, including chemicals, high heats, and other harsh treatments. So getting rid of them isn't always straightforward.

Here are some of the most common ways people try to destroy lice:

• Pediculicides - These are specialized chemical shampoos, creams, or sprays designed to kill lice. Popular active ingredients are pyrethrins or permethrin.

• Lice combs - Combs with super fine, tight teeth can help remove lice and eggs from the hair shaft. It takes patience though!

• Essential oils - Oils like tea tree, lavender, neem, and eucalyptus may help kill lice. The scientific evidence is limited though.

• Suffocation - Coating hair with a thick substance like oil or mayonnaise could potentially suffocate lice. But results aren't guaranteed.

• Heat tools - High heat from blow dryers or flat irons might damage or kill some lice. Again, results vary.

• Bleach and other household products - This is a popular DIY option. But can household chemicals really kill lice effectively and safely?

That's what we'll explore next. Will dousing your kid's hair in bleach really solve a lice infestation? Or will it just lead to bigger problems?

What Does The Science Say About Using Bleach On Lice?

Parents often turn to bleach because it's a powerful disinfectant and oxidizing agent. Used properly, bleach can kill bacteria, viruses, and other bugs by breaking down proteins and enzymes in their cells.

But when it comes to lice, the science behind using bleach just isn't there:

• Only a handful of scientific studies have looked at household products like bleach to kill lice. Most focus on treatments specifically designed for lice removal.

• One study found that bleach did have some insecticidal activity against lice. But it wasn't nearly as effective as pediculicides.

• There are no studies showing that bleach can kill lice eggs, which have a hard protective shell. So even if bleach kills some adults, the eggs could hatch again.

• Lice have evolved to withstand toxic substances and extreme environments. While bleach can damage their organs, lice might still survive. Especially in diluted concentrations.

Why Bleach Should Be Avoided For Lice Removal

Given the lack of evidence that bleach kills lice effectively, plus the risks involved, using bleach to treat lice just doesn't seem worth it:

• It can irritate skin and eyes - Bleach is corrosive. Putting it directly on your kid's scalp could cause burns, rashes, and major discomfort. No fun!

• Inhaling fumes is dangerous - Mixing bleach with other cleaners or exposing it to heat can release toxic chlorine gas that causes respiratory issues.

• It damages hair and surfaces - Bleach can discolor and dry out hair. It also ruins clothing, furniture, and other materials.

• There are safer options available - Pediculicides, essential oils, combs, and other methods can remove lice without harming your kid or your home.

• It doesn't fully eliminate the infestation - Again, if eggs survive, lice can return quickly. Bleach alone won't cut it.

The Bottom Line: Stay Away From DIY Bleach Treatments!

After reviewing the evidence, I can firmly say that pouring bleach onto your kid's lice-infested head is not a smart idea.

While bleach can kill some lice, it simply isn't effective enough to justify the risks of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and hair damage. Plus, it doesn't kill the eggs, so reinfestation can happen fast.

Stick to treatments designed specifically for lice removal, like medicated shampoos or professional nit combs. Combine methods for the best results. And be vigilant about checking and combing to catch any new lice quickly.

With some patience and the right tools, you can banish lice from your household for good - no bleach required!