How to kill lice quickly, easily and stress-free
While well-intended friends and a healthy Google search will provide many ways to kill lice – from store-bought solutions to all-natural elixirs to DIY remedies, the absolute best way to nix those buggers is a quick 30-minute session at a lice removal clinic.
By going to a clinic, parents can also achieve peace of mind; a technician can confirm that the issue is lice – versus dandruff – can check other family members and expertly answer any questions about prevention and follow up.
Not only are other head lice treatments messy and time-consuming, but in 2016, a study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology reported that 42 out of 48 states tested have been overrun by “super lice,” which are resistant to over-the-counter treatments.
Some recommend parents try to get rid of the infection by using over-the-counter treatments twice by leaving it on for a few hours and the repeating a week later. There are countless home remedies to treat lice, including putting mayonnaise, olive oil, and lotion on the scalp, but they are extremely messy, time consuming, and their effectiveness is questionable.
Some Lice Myths
- Lice live and feed off blood – not the hair – so it doesn’t matter if your hair is long or shirt, dirty or clean.
- Lice don’t breed in the home. While it’s suggested to throw sheets and stuffed animals into the dryer for 30-40 minutes, eggs cannot last more than a day or two when not on a human head.
- Pets do not carry lice
- Lice cannot jump to another head; they cannot jump, fly or swim; they can only crawl.
- An itchy scalp doesn’t necessarily mean you have lice; dandruff or dry skin can cause itching. Additionally, 40% of kids with lice don’t experience itching first.
If you live in the Denver or Colorado Springs area, the experts at Lice and Easy Colorado have locations in Arvada, Centennial and Briargate. We are always happy to answer questions over the phone, and offer family head checks and an ample appointment schedule.