Here are two suggestions for the  treatment of lice which I doubt would be
contraindicated in breastfeeding.  I saw this in  letters to the editor ,
August 1997, "Pediatric News", p 13.  I have tried both suggestions- they
work by anecdote. This may seem tongue in cheek, but given the rising number
of lindane resistant lice in the US and the relative expense of permethrin
based rinses, this solution may be very practical.

Use either mayonnaise (100% real, not  light, low fat, fat-free or salad
dressing like Miracle Whip) or vasoline (petrolatum).  Apply liberally to the
hair, cover with shower cap for at least 2.5 hours.  Then wash out with
shampoo.  The lice are asphyxiated and the nits can be combed out easily.
 Also hair is conditioned.  Every family member in the household should be
treated.  All hair combs, brushes, linens clothing should be well cleaned
(put away for three days if unable to clean in hot soap and water).  Treating
every family member (with any product) is key to eliminating lice in the home.
  Ideally this should also happen at school.

Anecdotally, I have not seen lice in my African American patients ( we-
myself included-  tend to "oil" our scalps with petrolatum based  or other
oil based products eg coconut regularly --AKA "grease").

Please keep in mind that in the US, mayonnaise is covered by food stamps- a
definite low cost alternative for low income people.  Neither vasoline
(petrolatum) or mayonnaise have known toxicity to humans (except for
mayonnaise not doing wonders for one's serum lipids or cholesterol:-) ).

Making me rethink what I put on my sandwiches!

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
Modesto CA