Toddler dies after homemade lice treatment goes wrong, what parents need to know

A Massachusetts toddler has died after suffocating while she was being treated for head lice, according to reports.

The 18-month-old girl's scalp was covered with mayonnaise while a plastic bag was put over her head by her family in a home remedy for lice.

A Springfield police department spokesman says officers responded to a city home last Saturday for reports of a child not breathing, according to the Associated Press.

Mayonnaise is a common home remedy used for treating head lice. The accident occurred because the little girl was left unattended and apparently fell asleep, allowing the bag to slip down over her face, suffocating her.

According to KCTV news, police say no charges have been filed at this point, though the investigation is ongoing.

According to Health.com, mayonnaise doesn't always work, but leaving a thick slather on hair overnight usually kills most of the small bugs. Many people need to do the treatment twice.

"People who've tried it recommend using real, full-fat mayonnaise. Slather it on liberally and pop on a shower cap. Let the mayo do its thing overnight. Shampoo and comb for nits in the morning. Repeat one week later to kill any lice that hatch from nits that survive the treatment," reports Health.com.