General Questions About Head Lice

Head lice are tiny parasites that live in human hair and on the scalp. They are highly contagious because they have claws that allow them to grab onto the hair quickly from a simple hug, sharing personal items, or anytime there is head to head contact.

They range in color from clear, gray, honey brown, caramel brown, to dark brown, and they can even be clear.

Head lice have the ability to reproduce. One female louse can lay up to 200 eggs in her lifetime. The life span is only 30 days. They can rapidly reproduce and quickly turn into an infestation.

Super head lice are resistant to pesticide based lice shampoos. Super lice are treatable, although coventional shampoos will not be effective.

Head lice have been around for thousands of years. No one knows their exact origination, just like humans. However, they are quickly spread from person to person, head-to- head contact, not from poor hygiene.

Common signs of lice include:

• Persistent itching or scratching, especially behind the ears or neck

• A crawling sensation on the scalp

• Small red bumps or irritation from bites, especially on the neck.

• Visible nits (eggs) glued to hair strands near the scalp.

• Visible live bugs, although they tend to hid and can be difficult to find.

The first signs of head lice that most people notice is a rash on their neck and an itchy scalp. Others will find a bug in their hair or see nits (lice eggs).

Not all people experience symptoms, and often head lice can go unnoticed for weeks into months. People who are allergic to their bites will experience symptoms sooner. Asymptomatic people tend to be long term carriers because the symptoms are mild or non-existent.

Symptoms Include

-Itchy Scalp

-Itchy neck and sometimes body

-Rash On The Back Of Neck: similar to a heat rash. Occasionally, the rash will lead down from the neck to the back.

-Welts or bites on the scalp.

-Swollen glands and lymph nodes.

-Low grade fever.

-Difficulty sleeping due to scratching and itching.

-Secondary infection from bacteria introduced into the bites from scratching.

It is important to screen for head lice if any of the symptoms are present or if you know that you have been in contact with someone who has or was recently treated for head lice. For school aged children, it is a good idea to screen regularly to catch a potential problem early.

The first step is to examine the hair. Look for signs of nits (lice eggs), typically behind the ears and the nape of the neck located on the hair. Flip the hair over since eggs tend to be on the underside of the hair strands. Also screen for bugs, although they can be harder to see because they camoflauge with the hair. If you have a lice comb or a fine tooth comb available, comb through the hair and look for any bugs that might comb out of the hair.

Follow these steps:

1. Wet the hair slightly (this slows lice movement).

2. Use a fine-toothed lice comb under a bright light.

3. Part the hair and comb from scalp to ends, wiping the comb on a paper towel after each pass.

4. Look for live lice (brown/tan bugs) and nits (clear/shiny, white, caramel to dark brown) stuck near the scalp shaped like a tear drop.

Focus on areas behind the ears, crown of the head, and nape of the neck. You will need to scrap nits off with your fingernails, they will not easily brush away. They will feel hard when you run the pads of your fingers over them. Anything that easily brushes or flakes away is not lice eggs. They are glued and shaped like a tear drop on the side of a hair strands.

If this is unsuccesful and you are concerned, contact us to schedule a lice screening.

Everyone in close contact should be screened. Only treat those who have live lice or active nits. Preventative sprays can be used for the rest of the household.

You have two main options:

1. Professional Lice Treatment

• A certified technician uses a professional lice treatment and removal method with safe products to remove all lice and nits in one visit.

• Fast, thorough, and chemical-free.

2. At-Home Treatment - DIY

• Use a non-toxic lice treatment kit (like Nit-Picky’s) that includes:

  • Lice removal spray or shampoo

  • Fine-toothed comb

  • Instructions for sectioning, combing, and follow-up

Pro Tip: Comb every strand thoroughly. The key to success is removing every nit — this is where most treatments fail.

Thankfully our furry friends do not get head lice. Their version of head lice is fleas. Head lice is species specific and prefer our human blood. They are unable to survive and live off of our pets.

No need to panic — lice cannot survive off the scalp for more than 72 hours in the enviroment.

We recommend:

• Wash bedding and soild clothing.

• Put brushes in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight.

• Seal stuffed animals or pillows in bags for 3 days.

• Vacuum sofas and car headrests.

Wash, Vacuum, or seal any item that has had head contact within three days prior to the treatment date. If the items have not been used, do not worry about them.

Lice need human blood to survive and they do not survive in the environment.

• Use a daily lice repellent spray like Nit Picky’s Prevent.

• Avoid head-to-head contact and sharing hats, brushes, or hair ties.

• Tie long hair back for school or camp

• Avoid hugs and selfies.

• If you've tried home treatments without success

• If lice keep coming back

• If you're overwhelmed or short on time

  Nit-Picky® offers fast, non-toxic, professional lice removal and screening — often same-day!