home
RSS
July 3rd, 2009
02:18 PM ET

Heady advice on lice

By Andrea Kane
CNNhealth.com Producer

Pssst: Come here… A bit closer. I have a confession to make: One of my daughters has L-I-C-E. And it is driving me crazy, because it just will not go away, no matter how much I cut, comb and nitpick her hair. And I’ve been doing a lot of nitpicking lately – at times, I feel like a mama chimp grooming her child (minus popping the “prize” into my mouth). My daughter gets cranky having to sit there for an hour (especially when I pull an individual hair strand to remove an egg - aka: nit - that is cemented on) and I get cranky, too.

According to the CDC, there are an estimated 6 million to 12 million head lice infestations each year in the U.S. among children 3 to 11 years old. Lice are usually transmitted through direct head-to-head contact. Less commonly, they can be passed on via a hat, comb, pillow or other personal object (contrary to our worst fears, lice don’t dive-bomb from one person’s head to another’s). Cleanliness and socioeconomic status have little to do with getting head lice, although race may have an impact; African-Americans are less likely to get them.

Aside from being icky and itchy, head lice are not known to transmit disease (although hard scratching can cause a secondary infection). That said, you don’t want them hanging around.

Our “ordeal” started in mid-May when I stopped by the school nurse’s office for her to have a look-see because her two best friends had it (that, and she was scratching an awful lot). “You see right there - those are nits,” she said, pointing to what looked like a bitty grain of salt on the hair shaft.

The nurse instructed me to shampoo my daughter’s with an over-the-counter pediculicide (lice-killing) shampoo, then comb out all the nits because OTC shampoos do not kill all the eggs (only the heavy-duty, super-toxic, prescription shampoo does). The third step (after shampooing and nitpicking) is to delouse personal objects.

At the drug store, the choices were many: popular OTC shampoos (with either pyrethrins – derived from chrysanthemums - or their synthetic cousin permethrin), homeopathic treatments (that promise to kill lice without harsh chemicals), gels to help with the nitpicking– even an electric comb that electrocutes the lice.

I ended up buying the store brand, partially because it offered the most shampoo at the cheapest price (the shampoos are expensive and we are - except for my husband - a household of long, curly-haired females, so we needed quantity, especially since we didn’t want to skimp). I slathered it on my daughter’s hair, waited 10 minutes, then rinsed and, with a fine-toothed comb, I combed… and combed… and combed, trying to get all of the nits out. Have I mentioned that she has long curly hair? A lot of it? A thick underbrush of it? Well, it took a long time to through it all. Except that I didn’t get it all: We both grew impatient before I was done.

Then, I threw all of her bedding into the wash, boiled all the combs and hairclips, and quarantined her stuffed animals and brushes. And for good measure, my husband and I shampooed our hair and washed our linens (as luck would have it, there had been a thunderstorm the night before and we played musical beds). I also checked her sister’s hair: Nothing! Mom 1, lice 1.

The next day, the lice were gone. And for a few glorious days, I thought we had dodged a bullet.

With most of the OTC shampoos, you have to retreat between seven and 10 days after the initial treatment, when the eggs that the shampoo failed to kill the first time finally hatch and repopulate the hair - but before the nymphs can grow into adults capable of reproducing. The life cycle of lice is about three weeks.

But before we could get halfway to retreatment time, they were back. So I cut off six inches of my daughter’s hair and we tried another brand of OTC shampoo; this one did not work at all (lice can become resistant to a particular pediculicide). So I went back to the first shampoo and I bought the electric comb (which was pretty cool and did electrocute some lice, but apparently not all). When that failed, I tried the homeopathic shampoo that works by dehydrating the lice and their eggs (this one you have to leave on for at least an hour, instead of 10 minutes). At the time of each treatment, we washed linens, boiled hair accessories all over again. The stuffed animals never made it out of quarantine.

But still the lice returned.

After about a month, at wits end, I called my pediatrician’s office. The nurse on call told me I could try the prescription shampoo (did I detect hesitation in her voice or was that me projecting?) or I could try one more “weird” treatment. Since I wasn’t particularly excited about the prospect of using poison so close to my child’s growing brain, I chose the latter. She recommended “Dippity-do.” Yup: The pink or green hair gel popular in the ’50s and ’60s. (It now comes in other colors too.)

But, she warned, I’d have to wrap my daughter’s hair in plastic wrap and a shower cap and leave it on for 12 hours. Similar to other home remedies - like mayonnaise and olive oil - the idea is to smother the lice in a thick coat of glop. The advantage of Dippity-do over the oily foodstuff is that it is much easier to wash out of hair (and doesn’t stink like unrefrigerated mayonnaise).

If this doesn’t work, I’ll be tempted to pull out the big guns: No, not the prescription shampoo but the electric razor – and give my daughter a buzz cut.

Have you or a family member had lice? How did you finally defeat it? Did using harsh chemicals on a small child worry you?

Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation.


Filed under: Caregiving • Children's Health • Parenting

soundoff (624 Responses)
  1. vegan travelers notebook

    Greetings! Very useful advice in this post!
    It will be the little changes that can make the most significant changes.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Feel free to surf to my homepage: vegan travelers notebook

    March 3, 2021 at 02:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. FjjuZisse

    where to buy viagra online womans viagra generic viagra coupon

    March 3, 2021 at 14:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Danny Southers

    I will right away grasp your rss as I can not to find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me recognise in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 6, 2021 at 14:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. leaf binder journal

    Very good website you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any
    user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about here?
    I'd really love to be a part of online community where I can get advice from
    other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!

    Feel free to surf to my website; leaf binder journal

    March 10, 2021 at 12:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. iphone 12 pro max cases

    Asking questions are truly good thing if you are not understanding anything
    totally, except this article offers nice understanding
    yet.

    March 13, 2021 at 20:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Kimiko Rosenheim

    No problem Dave – thanks for taking the time to leave your opinion on the product (and thanks for the bookmark!). 

    https://forecast-ed.forecastpublicart.org/forums/user/voadilgkbi/

    March 18, 2021 at 04:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. หวย

    Magnificent items from you, man. I've keep in mind your stuff prior to and you're just extremely excellent.
    I really like what you've obtained right here, really like what you are saying and the
    best way wherein you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you continue to take
    care of to keep it wise. I can't wait to learn far more from you.
    This is actually a terrific website.

    March 21, 2021 at 01:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. LmoppEncox

    http://essaywriteris.com/ – cheap essay services someone write my essay for me write my essay org write my essay generator

    March 22, 2021 at 20:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. AbgcEncox

    https://thesiswritingtob.com/ – thesis editors thesis writing services uk help with thesis writing thesis proposal writing service

    March 23, 2021 at 19:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Shaunna Eckhoff

    Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 13:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. FbshEncox

    https://thesisacloud.com/ – thesis proposal writing service thesis in writing thesis data analysis writing a phd thesis

    March 24, 2021 at 15:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. GrvCrulk

    https://kloviagrli.com/ – viagra women https://vigedon.com/ – viagra in india https://llecialisjaw.com/ – cialis and high blood pressure https://jwcialislrt.com/ – cialis for bph insurance coverage https://jecialisbn.com/ – how to buy cialis online

    March 26, 2021 at 04:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. JvqqEncox

    https://dissertationahelp.com/ – cheap dissertation help what is dissertation search dissertations law dissertation

    March 26, 2021 at 04:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. BrfgMile

    https://ljcialishe.com/ – is cialis safe https://cialisvja.com/ – cialis otc switch https://viagraonlinejc.com/ – when is the best time to take viagra https://viagratx.com/ – viagra lyrics https://buycialisxz.com/ – cialis 20mg tablets

    March 26, 2021 at 10:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. AbgcEncox

    https://thesiswritingtob.com/ – thesis help services phd thesis paper help with thesis statements master thesis writing service

    March 26, 2021 at 13:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. FbshEncox

    https://thesisacloud.com/ – master thesis writing service thesis paper writing best thesis thesis for dummies

    March 27, 2021 at 10:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. like it PH Times NG

    Hey there! Quick question that's entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Many thanks!

    https://clients1.google.com.py/url?q=http://phtimesng.com/

    March 29, 2021 at 02:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Mickellewv

    specifically filipino females and girls dating online at Philippines dating site

    philippine daughters and girls do search on the internet service by drinking online dating services when they certainly decide to choose the best soulmate your children. people time frame to the with others around the world by using the building that kinds Philippines adult dating sites sell.

    continually they shouldn't have notebook computer or computer in their house and in addition like better to use internet restaurants to examine their web mail or currently. they swear by selecting uniform dating for the reason that the sites have a huge client base getting plenty of choices. almost all the sites feel safe coupled with safe to use as earth wide web misuse is most significantly endured in the alarmed great outdoors. more the dating sites would definitely merely take in legitimate registration when a particular image is fastened and even all the explains. asiame.com reviews this lets the philippine girlfriend and ladies to be positive of what is can certainly they rely when they could sequentially meet the average person physically. sites are exact attached to which in turn finance, As for fear that it can be found those a new replica photograph has been used, the specific uneasy sign up would normally baulked because of strong produce. Therefore the probability of misconception regarding choice entirely on severe specific physical reason perhaps may be the minimum. it is often appropriately told me that a graphic is much better within thousand sentences and these sites rightfully apply that approach.

    The filipino womans and some women as a verify a critique of the baby you want through emailing your dog, can form understanding the particular qualities and as well as mental startup of the people they will meet up with here in not to distant future. this is what reduces the risk for a good deal of mix-up at the coupled with will allow for the relationships on growing a bit more tone of put faitth on straightforward fact support. this concept signifies that greater part of the contacts in cases where developed to magnitude of attaining face-to-face without doubt turn into a positive be responsible for each of the nervous employees receiving the person with their ambitions.

    the option for one's other half is one of the most basic possibilities of which each of these might have to take. for this reason to make certain a cheerful long lasting relationships, which experts claim is the foot of satisfaction commonly, It is important to have in mind the possible lover precisely in advance attaching the knots. These online dating sites of predominantly Philippines provide you with just suitable shopping cart wisdom which is fully very utilized filipino the women business women. the enormous various options and different podium from and let the partners learn various other makes them sites also favoured but also a significantly thanked wedding in Philippines. web sites generally in this way rightly seen as much more than simply a successful business organisation in a rural area.

    March 29, 2021 at 08:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. informative post bestnewsviral.com

    hello there and thanks in your information – I have certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however experience a few technical issues using this web site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of occasions prior to I may get it to load properly. I were considering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading cases times will very frequently affect your placement in google and could injury your high-quality ranking if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I’m including this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot extra of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this once more very soon..

    http://clients1.google.com.gi/url?q=https://bestnewsviral.com/

    March 29, 2021 at 09:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. top cbd oil colorado springs

    I couldn't resist commenting. Exceptionally well
    written!

    March 29, 2021 at 20:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. AbgcEncox

    [url=https://thesiswritingtob.com/]writing phd thesis[/url] thesis assistance proquest thesis database thesis consultant

    March 31, 2021 at 19:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Nathan Matuska

    Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It's the little changes that will make the greatest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

    https://extraproxies.com/is-this-a-closed-form-if-not-can-it-be-recast-as-one/

    April 1, 2021 at 04:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. FbshEncox

    https://thesisacloud.com/ – thesis abstracts thesis writing service uk writing a thesis how to write a phd thesis

    April 1, 2021 at 16:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. สล๊อตออนไลน์

    I'm gone to say to my little brother, that he should also
    visit this web site on regular basis to get updated from hottest news update. https://slotgrow.com

    April 2, 2021 at 02:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Portal Links

    After reading some of the comments on this blog, Id have to say Im in agreement with the majority.

    http://www.m106.com

    April 4, 2021 at 20:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. sildenafil for women

    20 mg generic sildenafil https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil 1.5

    April 5, 2021 at 00:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. tadalafil 40

    tadalafil generic https://elitadalafill.com/ tadalafil max dose

    April 5, 2021 at 00:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Maryalice Read

    I call BS on the 50 rejection rate. I wrote for BKA Content for a year, and not one of my articles was ever rejected. I had an editor email me *once* to ask me to fix something because I didn’t follow the directions (I misunderstood what was required), but I was still paid. “Rejection” makes it sound like your friend wasn’t paid for his work, which isn’t how they operate at BKA. And if your friend kept having his work sent back, then he was either submitting poor-quality content or not following the directions. The hardest part was just getting through the doors. From there they worked with me to show me what they were looking for, and I felt like they wanted me to be successful. Writing for BKA was a pleasant experience, and I’ll go back if my schedule clears up.

    https://wiki-canyon.win/index.php/Cómo_disernir_los_tipos_locos_de_anime_y_manga

    April 5, 2021 at 01:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. where to buy alprostadil gel

    alprostadil penile suppository https://alprostadildrugs.com/ how much alprostadil pellets cost

    April 5, 2021 at 04:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Game Slot Online

    Aweѕome blog! Ꭰo yⲟu have аny tips foг aspіring writers?
    I'm planning to start my own ԝebsitе soon but I'm a little lost on everything.

    Would you recommend starting with a free plаtform ⅼike Wordpresѕ or go for a paid option? There are sso mɑny choices
    out there that I'm completeⅼy overwhelmed ..
    Any recommendations? Thank yߋu!

    Ꮃould You Here is my website: Game Slot Online

    April 5, 2021 at 04:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. alprostadil injection site

    alternative to alprostadil https://alprostadildrugs.com/ muse injection

    April 5, 2021 at 13:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. vardenafil hcl generic

    how long do the effects of vardenafil last https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil buy

    April 5, 2021 at 15:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Whitney Eyles

    Great article. I am experiencing a few of these issues as well..

    https://extraproxies.com/there-has-been-an-error-processing-your-request-exception-printing-is-disabled-by-default-for-security-reasons/

    April 6, 2021 at 06:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. sildenafil vs tadalafil

    sildenafil 96743 https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil citrate 100 mg

    April 6, 2021 at 07:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Andyhmt

    policies with reference to romances on Tumblr

    excerpt from the book i never create articles 32I not just want to faux all of us exceptional, or possibly that any of us taking recognize as much as possible. experts traveling to have stunning and also slight battles as they go along, It gives every thing has become colorway and even tells me that him and i are ultimately both peoples: but staff may mean unfinished distinctive. remember, though,but aslong as your involving, I suggests during the phrase. dangerous adore you forever, kiss and lick you when your very pleased, grip you las vegas bankruptcy lawyer distressing. in poor health have level and ambiance to your freedom and not assist you to block out what forced me to be are seduced by you throughout beggining. we tend to claimed continually be awesome, despite the fact that we be immaculate.

    'It with regard to cryptography.

    'Like approach, inside info,secrets campaigns?

    'Not key. in which the remarkable a segment. announcements the fact that anyone can learn, only no-one can guess whatever require, chnlove.com scam Unless there is an key.

    'How a dissimilar to blabbing? when you talk to each other they don't are saying legitimate because it mean to say, as the maxim goes another. and likely to just know very well what they guarantee, yet nevertheless in no way thought follow. from the beginning I had remorseful for a. But increased I seriously considered known I you will times about living to suit things to find out about be all of us. confident, Selflessness is a fantastic, beneficial characteristics standard. still it is offered season to fear my family, to stay shopping for me, in order to gentle surrounding i am. i simply left an especially demanding, hazardous, unsafe love affair and time frame warring and I should be egocentric right now. there's a time and when you be egotistical, To want to pay attention to you instead of other sites, carry on on raising your business. Because entirely undoubtedly non selfish with no need first read and studied a time of finding out how who you really are to be able better help other. the guy was really a lord specified skill, furthermore the best sin. I take into account how you fitted, but of the way we parted. I regard how I adored your man's illuminate and in what way this person caressed my best night. I mull over how we first started. I liked using him or her five to ten years looking at trusting around blankets. I prized her dad these beginer selection me bust a gut, i actually used a return, and i also was aware of i believed i was complete. that they lit my black color intellect, it approved individual completely skies. he made me look enormous, his particular feel obviously experienced extremely ok. as you would expect, anytime you are it's safe to evaluate tiger woods may feel most full of life. then again, however,even so he tiny stopped nursing, quitted requiring if i'm all right. for you to ignore the actual whines in addition,yet ceased just saying goodnight. thus strolled free as well as failed to sometimes published a beat. I guess that means you will discover another individual occupying its minds. this time in cases where I identify your dog into my hopes one of the best some of my home dies. something was an enormous amount of color choice, is currently an enormous amount of written agreement. simply i am glad for small, I believe i'm brilliant. planning to just take the time. although i'm okay, we will be acceptable. then again fixing and repairing stuff for ages been helpful to being untruthful.

    also, I get the idea that we 't working with other world.

    i watch families grow older, essential spring, state phrase these companies definitely psychologic and then easily fit in as if every a couple of sizeable marvel where it components in conjunction.

    the fact remains we is one, remember, though,but the particular types arranged be one real picture that is representative of lifestyles, And solitary second taken is in it from community,wi-fi network, to our finalized oxygen.

    regarding targeting the challenge prior to this us, individuals try to blend with all of those other parts.

    establishing its distructive domain our staff members call up your current quarters.

    We wild our understanding of our own individuality and the beauty of the single who unique color styles produced who choice in concert.

    achievable to go moving forward. you could potentially add oneself to normality but become a part of you hasn died. since it have. your family core was first stopped working into several items, all around our gloves. one thought often the shards should probably video it, truthfully this guy moved bye bye without using so much as a speck of your precious your blood onto your gives.

    it's possible go using and vanish such as you don start to see you in each and every tune, Every tall tale every be happy the simple truth is. you should take in frozen treats or perform like you put on heed that its his best preference, as a result virtually every essence was indeed this man's chosen. feasible act like you work with your whole high intensity not to gain its seasoned sweatshirt coupled with fall asleep hugging it.

    April 6, 2021 at 16:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. injectable ed drugs

    how to adminiter transurethral alprostadil muse video https://alprostadildrugs.com/ alprostadil penile suppository price

    April 7, 2021 at 05:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Marty Wegman

    Hello there! This article could not be written much better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I'll forward this post to him. Fairly certain he's going to have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

    https://ExtraProxies.com

    April 7, 2021 at 05:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. vardenafil prices

    vardenafil cost https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil prices india

    April 7, 2021 at 20:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. buy tadalafil us

    tadalafil dosage https://elitadalafill.com/ tadalafil max dose

    April 8, 2021 at 08:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. AbgcEncox

    https://thesiswritingtob.com/ – thesiswritingtob.com writing phd thesis thesiswritingtob.com choosing a thesis topic

    April 8, 2021 at 12:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. FbshEncox

    https://thesisacloud.com/ – thesisacloud.com nursing thesis thesisacloud.com nursing thesis

    April 9, 2021 at 09:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. nl7eK6

    630925 990581I adore foregathering valuable details , this post has got me even a lot more information! . 500756

    April 9, 2021 at 20:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Jak Działa Raj Podatkowy ?

    Hi, I found your post by mistake when i was searching bing for this issue, I have to say your post is really helpful I also love the theme, its amazing!. I dont have that much time to read all your post at the moment but I have saved it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thank you for a huge article.

    http://www.taxes.xmc.pl

    April 10, 2021 at 20:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. how to buy teva sub for viagra in canada

    viagra canada over the counter https://canadaviagrastore.com/ viagra canada pharmarcy

    April 12, 2021 at 08:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. generic zithromax

    zithromax 250 mg https://zithromaxes.com/ zithromax 500 mg tablet

    April 12, 2021 at 12:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. buy cheap zithromax

    zpack uti treatment https://zithromaxes.com/ zithromax usage

    April 12, 2021 at 13:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Lyndon Spackman

    I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

    https://extraproxies.com/suggestion-rest-service-versioning/

    April 12, 2021 at 15:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. sildenafil 25

    sildenafil 50 mg prices https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ order sildenafil from india

    April 12, 2021 at 16:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. warnings for vardenafil maximum dose

    buy vardenafil https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil 20mg tablets

    April 12, 2021 at 19:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. zithromax capsules

    z pak direction https://zithromaxes.com/ how to take zithromax

    April 13, 2021 at 01:19 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Leave a Reply to mp3flaver


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.