What do head lice look like ?
What are the symptoms of having head lice ?
How are head lice detected ?
What are the effects of head lice ?
How are head lice spread ?
Why don’t lice shampoos and most formulas work ?
Can chemical treatments be dangerous ?
So if shampoos and formulas are not the solution, what about combing ?
Why do you need an expert head lice removal service ?
Who needs to be screened ?
When should your family be screened ?
Following treatment, what steps need to be taken at home ?
What steps are taken for prevention ?

 

 

What do head lice look like?
The head louse is gray in color but tends to take on the hair color of the host. The louse is small in size (the size of a sesame seed) and flattened in shape. Hook-like claws at the end of each of six legs help anchor the louse to the hair shaft. It lays eggs, called ‘nits’, that are cemented to the hair shafts. Head lice to not jump or fly.

What are the symptoms of having head lice?
The first major symptom of head lice infestation can be intense itching caused by the louses feeding. Tickling, feeling of something moving in the hair, and then itching, irritability, and finally sores on the head caused by scratching.

How are head lice detected?
To check for infestation, someone must examine the scalp and hair for lice and nits. They are usually found behind the ears and at the back of the neck.

What are the effects of head lice?
Head lice are parasites that live on humans and survive only on human blood. They have several meals of blood each day. The open wounds cause sores to the scalp. The wounds can develop into infections especially if the person has a blood related medical condition.

How are head lice spread?
Lice and nits are contracted through physical head to head contact or proximity to items that come in contact to the head such as hats and combs. Lice and nits are in no way a reflection of poor hygiene. Just the opposite- they are attracted to clean hair and scalps.
Sharing personal items that make contact with the head also causes infestation.

Why don’t lice shampoos and most formulas work?
The lice and nits have become more resistant to the shampoos and survive. They cannot be washed out but need to be physically removed from both the hair and scalp.

Can chemical treatments be dangerous?
Remember, all lice killing products are pesticides that contain harsh chemicals. As lice have become more resistant to these chemicals, they have become more toxic. In many cases, there are side effects to the chemicals. If you read the details of these products, there are many warnings to the possible risks. If you are pregnant, nursing, have allergies, asthma, epilepsy, or a pre-existing medical condition; you can’t use many of these products.

So if shampoos and formulas are not the solution, what about combing?
Combing is the only effective way in physically removing the head lice and nits from the head. It should be used in combination with all natural ingredients to soften the hair for combing.

Why do you need an expert head lice removal service?
You need someone who has expertise in head lice removal, who’s knowledgeable and experienced. The process is both tedious and straining. They’ll concentrate on head lice removal which is both time consuming and strenuous. You’ll have your hands full at home just cleaning out the house. You’ll need to save your energy for that task.

Who needs to be screened?
All family members must be checked thoroughly- parents, brothers and sisters, including babies. If there’s close contact with extended family and friends, they need to be screened also.

When should your family be screened?                 
Families should be screened immediately; delay only causes more infestation and harm to your health.

Following treatment, what steps need to be taken at home?
All articles of clothing and bedding must be washed. Combs, brushes and hair accessories must be soaked in ammonia for 5 minutes. Any hair accessory that would be ruined in ammonia should be put away in an air-tight plastic bag for 2 weeks and then can be used. Vacuum all furniture, rugs, mattresses, car seats and toys.

What steps are taken for prevention?
Perform weekly head checks to look for lice and nits. Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with the head.  Keep long hair in a pony tail. Everyone in your home needs to take part in head lice checks as part of their weekly personal hygiene. Encourage regular screening in schools, childcare, and camps to prevent lice infestation.