Does Alcohol Kill Lice?
The CDC says head lice can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications, and it does not list alcohol as a treatment. Rubbing alcohol is also a flammable liquid (NIOSH flash point 53 F), so putting it on hair is a fire and skin-irritation risk.
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Rubbing Alcohol Dilution Chart (PDF): How much 99%, 91% or 70% rubbing alcohol and water to mix for a 70% or 60% cleaning solution, for 100, 250 and 500 ml. 5 rows, each with its source.
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What the CDC recommends
The CDC says you can treat lice infestations with both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Ask a doctor or pharmacist which one fits your child’s age and situation.
Home remedies
The CDC says it does not have scientific evidence that smothering lice with common kitchen products works, and names mayonnaise, olive oil, margarine and butter as examples. The CDC page we read does not mention alcohol, so we found no official support for it either.
Why alcohol on hair is a bad idea
- NIOSH lists isopropyl alcohol as a Class IB flammable liquid. Vapor can ignite at room temperature.
- NIOSH lists eye, nose and throat irritation, dizziness and headache as symptoms of exposure, plus dry, cracked skin.
- If it gets in the eyes, NIOSH says to irrigate immediately.
Other CDC cautions
The CDC says not to use fumigant sprays or fogs, because they can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
People also ask
Can rubbing alcohol get rid of lice?
We found no official source that says so. The CDC recommends over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Is it safe to put alcohol on a child's scalp?
Not recommended. It is flammable and can irritate skin and eyes. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Do kitchen products like mayonnaise work?
The CDC says it has no scientific evidence that smothering lice with common kitchen products works.
Sources
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