How to spot head lice and eradicate

Head lice are almost as common as a cold with anywhere from 6 to 12 million kids getting it each year and yet there is still a social stigma.
Everyone thinks only dirty people get lice, when in fact they are attracted to clean hair because it is easier to cling onto.
There is a strand of lice known as Super Lice because they are resistant to the products on the market. At my business, we are experiencing a record number of head lice cases this year because the products are no longer working. Parents are going to drastic measures using such things as mayonnaise, listerine, cetaphil, WD-40, and even Raid! Parents should not wait for a lice notice from school before checking their child’s heads.  Make it a habit to check once a week using a good metal lice comb.
Parents can prevent their children from getting lice by making sure they avoid head-to-head contact during play, sleepovers or other activities at home, school, and elsewhere. Do not share combs, brushes or towels used by an infested person. Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, hair ribbons or barrettes.
Other ways to prevent the spread of lice are to machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that an infested person used or wore during the previous two days using a hot water laundry cycle and high heat drying cycle. Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs; they are not necessary to control head lice and can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Head lice are most commonly found on the scalp, behind the ears and near the neckline at the base of the head. Unless seen, symptoms of infestation are easy to miss. They include a tickling sensation or feeling that something moves through the hair. Then an allergic reaction to the bites causes the itching.
Viable eggs are usually located within ¼-inch of the scalp. Eggs more than one-half an inch away from the scalp are usually not viable.
The Air Allé device is a new option available and recommended by the Journal of Pediatrics that uses no chemicals or pesticides and is 99-percent percent effective. The device works by delivering controlled heated air directly to the head which then dries out the nits and kills lice too. There is nothing else out there today that is this effective.
If you, your child or anyone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms and are not sure what to look for you can visit our website at www.nitlessnoggins.com.
– Marcy McQuillan is the owner of Nitless Noggins in Scotts Valley.