How Do Head Lice Move?

Head lice are creepy critters that make all of us feel icky! Did you know that when the summer months hit we usually see a spike in head lice outbreaks? This is due to the fact that kids are hanging out on vacations, summer camps, sports camps, band camps, around swimming pools, camping in their own back yards, or even just playing outside together more often.

Every year in the United States up to 12 million children between the ages of 6-12 will contract head lice according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults or teens living with these young children are at a higher risk for catching head lice also. As the summer break hits parents or older kids might be snuggling up under the stars to make s’ mores with their favorite little buddies, or spending some time cuddling while watching their favorite Disney movie. Before you know it a small head louse has crawled from your little ones head to yours!

 

Do head lice jump or fly?

No. Head lice are perfectly equipped to crawl through human hair strands. They do not have wings and can not jump.

There are many different types of lice that are inflicted on different animals or parts of the body. The head louse, or Pediculus humanus capitis, is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the human scalp. Head lice are not known to spread disease.

These lice are not a risk to animals or other parts of the human body because their body is made up to grasp human hair. They are not able to grasp thicker or differently textured hair.  If hair found on the pubic area, or an animal, for example, were exposed to head lice they would be unable to fit their claws around it and infect the area or animal.

 

Just how do head lice move from head to head?

Each of their six claws are attached to the bottom of their legs, in place of feet. The claws work together with a small, spiky thumblike spine that is also connected to the bottom of their feet allowing them to grasp. Like a skilled circus acrobat, this enables head lice to gracefully move from hair strand to hair strand with little effort and surprisingly quick.

Other forms of lice are equipped to grasp onto different sizes of hair. For example, specific species of lice have claws that enable them to move through bird feathers with ease, while the human head lice would be unable to grasp it.

As two heads are pressed together under any circumstance, an adult louse can easily grasp onto the new head of hair and make a new home on its next human host. Female lice will than lay their eggs, or nits, on the base of a single hair strand very near the scalp. These eggs are glued onto the hair with a secretion that makes them sturdy and safe for the nit. The humidity and warmth from the human host give the nit an ideal environment to grow and hatch. In as a little as 7-9 days, new lice will begin hatching and creating a home on the new scalp.

Because of their strong claws and agility, head lice are also easily able to hang onto items that the head may have rested on. Pillows, blankets, fabric on a movie theater seat, the lining of a helmet, or any other such areas are all places head lice could be hanging out, waiting for a new host.

 

How can you get head lice from hats or pillows?

If a louse is knocked off of a head or crawls off of the head, they have 24 hours at the most to find a new host, or they will simply die. Without the head source or blood source of a human, they will not live longer than that.

In recent years, scientists John Clark and his team at the University of Massachusetts have tested head lice in nearly every state in the country. They have proven that head lice are now showing strong immunities to over the counter lice treatments, such as natural insecticides and pyrethrins. Because of this overwhelming resistance to lice products, the head lice problem we see today is on the rise.

Lice Clinics of America offers a solution. The technology we use allows us to dehydrate the head lice and eggs on the scalp in as a little as 90 minutes. A single session can eliminate the need for shampoos, nitpicking or harsh chemical products that others try to get rid of their head lice problem. We want to help you be head lice free! Call our office today to schedule head lice checks for your family.

 

 

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This Month Don’t Forget Dad!

“My father didn’t tell me how to live.

He lived and let me watch him do it.”

―Clarence Budington Kelland

 

This month we get the opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day. There are so many different ways that people show their love and appreciation for the special father in their life. How do you most often express your feelings to your father?

Sometimes when I was younger I would write a handwritten card or bring him breakfast in bed. Now, as I am older and hopefully wiser, I think back on many different times in my life that I knew he was there for me and I like to write these memories in a heartfelt letter to my dad.

Here are a few great ideas for you to try this Father’s Day if you wanted a new approach to showing your love! These ideas are all cost-effective and will surely make your special guy smile!

 

#1 – Candy Bouquet for Dad’s with a Sweet Tooth

A candy bouquet will only take about half an hour to make and costs roughly $15. Start by selecting his favorite candies. Remember, not what you like, but what will dad love! Here is a great link with step by step instructions to get you going!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Making-a-Candy-Bouquet.html

 

#2 – Handprint Craft Keychain

Any daddy that has little ones would love to receive this keepsake. With just a little effort you can help create a memory that he will take with him everywhere he goes. Take a minute to check out our source for this awesome craft at easypeasyandfun.com!

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/flower-handprint-keychain/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_smartloop&utm_content=smartloop&utm_term=26872186

 

 

#3 – Handprint Grill Apron

Father's day apron

This is the perfect gift for any dad or grandpa who loves his BBQ grill! Walmart or Amazon sells plain aprons for in a two pack for $8.99 here.  A set of fabric paint is less than $10 depending on color and size. This grilling apron will help him remember how much you love him whenever he fires up the grill! What a great option for the chef in your life. Detailed instruction for this apron can be found at https://childrens-room.com/blog/fathers-day-apron.

Anyone of these homemade gifts would be an excellent expression of your love and devotion to the father figure you cherish. Keep in mind that handmade items are most often the most meaningful as they show that we put some thought and effort into creating something they can always treasure. This Father’s Day make dad feel amazing!

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Summer Time Can Mean Peak in Head Lice

Head lice are human parasites that feed on small amounts of blood from a human host.  Lice have six small legs with claws on the tip that make them experts at attaching to hair strands and making their way around a head of hair.

Although it is always possible to catch head lice, even in the winter months, head lice do seem to spike during the warmest months of the year. But why? Most likely because children are spending more close time together. Summer camps, family trips, sports camps or any other activities that bring kids together can mean more head lice outbreaks.

Head lice also thrive in human climates. They prefer moist, damp environments which are usually around the base of the head where the neck meets the hairline. Summertime sweating can create a welcoming environment for head lice on anyone’s scalp.

Searches for head lice or head lice treatment are up about 25% in the summer months versus winter months. For this reason, it’s always a good idea, no matter what the weather is doing, to remember what to watch for!

–Talk to summer camps or sports camps about how they are dealing with possible head lice infestations. Often time, no one even thinks of the possibility before hosting a camp. Contact the counselor in charge and suggest possible head lice checks in the camp that could do a lot to prevent spreading. Lice Clinics of America offers head lice checks for local camps.

-Talk to your kids about not sharing pillows, blankets, hats, hairbrushes, or any other items with cousins, friends, or teammates that could give them head lice. The average person who has head lice has 10-15 adult lice on their scalp. Female head lice lay about 10 eggs per day. You can see how quickly the problem can escalate! Nits are often transferred from person to person from these personal items. When in doubt, machine wash items in hot water to ensure all nits or head lice are removed. Thoroughly vacuum and disinfect items or carpets as well to remove traces of nits or head lice.

-Make sure your children are protected by nitpicking through their hair and watching for signs of head lice. This means running a comb through their hair strands and watching for nits, rashes, or bite marks. The fecal matter from head lice can cause allergic reactions on the scalp. The rashes and irritation you are seeing is a result of that and the saliva from bite marks, as well.

-Stay vigilant as a parent. Some kids have trouble sleeping due to itchy scalp or the sensation of head lice crawling during the night, as they are more active during the night. Others might just start scratching incessantly. Sometimes it’s hard to catch head lice before it becomes a big problem. Keep a watchful eye for early signs. 

-Contact Lice Clinics of America if you have any questions or concerns about head lice. We offer head lice checks to show you what symptoms to look for and how to nitpick properly. We also offer the latest, most effective head lice removal treatments available on the market.

 

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Head Lice, The Itchy Truth

We all know what head lice are…or do we? There are actually a lot of common misconceptions about these pesky little critters. If you are dealing with a head lice problem in your home you might want to brush up on the facts!

Do Head Lice Bite? YES!

Just the thought of tiny bugs crawling through your hair biting you can make anyone feel sick. But think about it! An adult louse will feed 5 to 6 times per day. The average person with a case of head lice is carrying 10-12 lice at a time. This averages over 50 head lice bites per day that person is infected. This is why adequate treatment is extremely important. A problem with head lice, left for even a few days can really escalate quickly.

I Thought They Sucked Blood?

Kind of. Lice have a mouth that acts as a tube with a suction cup on the end. They grab a hold of the skin on the scalp and push through small sharp teeth that penetrate the skin. As they feed, the skin is broken leaving red bumps and marks on the scalp.

What is a Nit? Does it Bite?

Lice eggs, or nits, are not yet hatched and therefore unable to bite. As soon as an egg hatches, the newborn nymph will actively start looking for its first meal. Nymphs will bite and fed on human blood the same as adult lice while they grow and mature into adulthood.

Do the Lice Bites Cause the Itchiness?

As head lice bite they leave broken skin and open sores. They can become dry and irritated resulting in itchiness. This is just one of the reasons.  As a louse drinks human blood, they salivate a substance that prevents the blood from clotting as they eat. This saliva is spread over the skin of the host and causes significant allergic reactions. Ever wonder how lice move around? As lice crawl around from hair strand to hair strand on the scalp they use hook-like claws on the tip of their legs. This gives off a tickling or irritating feeling that can lead to itchiness. The combination of bites, saliva, and crawling make itching a major symptom in indicating a head lice infestation.

My Child’s Scalp is Itchy? What do I do Now?

The first thing we recommend is using a nit comb, or fine tooth comb to examine your child’s scalp. Pay special attention to behind the ears, near the base of the neck and the crown of the head. These are the areas head lice like to linger and lay their eggs most often. While examining look for yellowish, oval eggs that are very near the base of the scalp. They will not easily flake off as dandruff would, but will be peeled off only using the fine tooth comb. Watch for red irritated bumps or rashes. Live lice will scurry away quickly from direct light and may be difficult to spot. If you do see any small, sesame seed-sized brown bugs crawling on the hair you clearly have a case of head lice.

Your Professional Source for Treatment of Head Lice

Head lice are not something to take lightly. They are highly contagious especially to those living within a household and can multiply quickly. The professional staff at Lice Clinics of America have eliminated head lice for thousands of patients. We can help you accurately diagnose the problem, offer the most effective and safe treatments, and give you the assurance that our procedure is guaranteed to work. In fact, the process we use is the only FDA cleared lice treatment device that is proven over 99% effective. Call our clinic today to speak with a trusted staff member about your concerns.

 

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We Are Your Best Source for Head Lice Removal

Head lice are small but can give you a fright,

They cause crazy itching with every single bite.

They are hard to spot and like the dark,

They lay little eggs to leave their mark.

You can get them from hugging when your heads touch,

Or sharing items like brushes and such.

They are common among kids, but no need to scream,

We can make them go away, no matter how severe it may seem!

Our revolutionary product is what does the trick,

And what’s better than that is that it’s safe and quick!

We are parents ourselves so we’ll treat your kids with care,

We’ll be diligent at removing all lice and eggs from the hair,

So when you head starts to itch, and you suspect that it’s lice,

We’ll treat it right away at a reasonable price!

 

Call Lice Clinics of America today to resolve your head lice concerns! We are your BEST, most professional source for all things head lice.

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What is the Biggest Cause of Head Lice?

Anyone anywhere will cringe when they hear the words head lice. This common problem causes stress and anxiety for parents and children involved.  Head lice are a major concern for parents of young children who attend public schools, daycares, church youth programs or just about anywhere else where there are groups of kids. And they should be!

Every year up to 12 million children in the United States alone will contract head lice, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As a parent or guardian, you may be wondering what is the biggest cause of head lice? How can I prevent it?

 

Biggest Cause of Head Lice

You guessed it, groups of children are usually the main source for head lice outbreaks. If your child has head lice, they likely got it from direct head to head contact with another child. Children between the ages of 3-12 are more prone to head lice infestations. With that being said, we are seeing more and more cases of teenage head lice with the new super lice dilemma that is sweeping the nation. Some blame this on the selfie or sharing of small electronic devices. Others think that super lice are just harder to kill and therefore affecting more people.

The main way adults or teens catch head lice is from a smaller child who lives in the same home. Parents, grandparents, or teens who live with children are much more likely to catch head lice than other adults.

 

How Can I Prevent Head Lice?

Children need to be screened for head lice often. Lice Clinics of America is a great source for head lice screenings. We can show you what signs are prevalent with a head lice outbreak. We have the proper nitpicking tools to teach you how to dig through the scalp and identify head lice or remove it.

Checking often, being aware of symptoms and signs of head lice, and talking to your children about not sharing hairbrushes, hats, coats, or accessories that could have head lice are all good places to start in the battle of prevention.

We also provide head lice screenings in our clinic for the whole family. Some people erroneously believe that if their child has head lice, as long as they are treated the problem is gone. Not true. Most often adults catch head lice from their own children. Be sure to have everyone in your home screened before assuming your head lice problem is gone.

 

Can’t I Just Wash My Child’s Hair?

Many people think that head lice only prefer dirty or clean hair. Neither is true. In fact, head lice have shown no distinct preference in several tests. Anyone with hair, regardless of hygiene, is at risk for head lice.

Head lice are also able to hold their breath for 6-8 hours. For this reason, simply washing hair does not kill them. They are also equipped to grip onto hair strands with claws that are attached to the bottom of their legs. This prevents them from simply being washed away during shampooing.

 

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Team Up With the Avengers!

The next big Hollywood movie has hit the theaters! Bringing with it new shattering records and plenty of action-packed moments. When you are dealing with a villain or problem in your life, how nice would it be to have the Hulk, Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy or Iron Man on your side?

We will do you one better! If you and your family are fighting off head lice, team up with the Avengers! The Avengers of Head Lice, that is. Lice Clinics of America can offer you the support and answers you seek. We can fight with you every step of the way in your battle against head lice!

At Lice Clinics of America throughout Houston, Austin and many areas of Texas we offer the best head lice removal care around.

Here’s what you can expect when you choose Lice Clinics of America to destroy your head lice problem:

-Head lice screenings are a thorough way for us to evaluate if you or someone in your household has head lice and just how bad the problem is. With part of the head lice check you will receive a lice comb that you get to take with you when you leave. The lice comb can help you perform your own checks from that point on, ensuring that the problem has not returned. We will show you what to look for and help you pinpoint the problem.

 

-If there is evidence of an outbreak, we can take of it right away! We offer a one-time treatment that will seriously eliminate your head lice problem quickly. This process uses a dehydration method to desiccate the head lice and their eggs in a 90-minute treatment. This process has been proven to be over 99% effective. This chemical free approach can keep your mind at ease that no harmful substances are risking your families safety. Plus, we guarantee that process for work for up to 6 full weeks.

 

-Did you know that head lice spread quickly throughout a household? If you are living with a child between the ages of 3-10 they are much more likely to bring head lice home than any other age group. With that in mind, if your child does have head lice, any other family members that come into direct contact with the child are much more likely to contract head lice themselves! Screen the entire family for head lice at Lice Clinics of America to be sure the problem has not spread.

 

-New “super lice” are hitting the school scenes rapidly this year. These lice show strong immunities to over the counter products that have been used for over 30 plus years in the United States. With the help of our new, innovative approach to head lice, even “super lice” do not stand a chance at survival. Why waste your time and money on over the counter products that simply will no longer work? Call Lice Clinics of America today and be your families favorite hero!

 

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Head Lice and Other Human Parasites

Lice Clinics of America are the experts at treating, diagnosing and preventing head lice! We get questions all the time about what other types of lice there are and who is at risk for catching them. Essentially there are three types of lice that affect a human body.

 

Head Lice are the most common and well-known type of human lice. Children between the ages of 3-10 are the most at risk for contracting head lice. It is passed through direct head to head contact most commonly, but can also be passed on by sharing clothing or items that are contaminated with head lice or their eggs.  Most people will have to deal with head lice at some point in their life. It is so common that up to 12 million people will report having head lice in the United States each year. Head lice are not particularly drawn to clear or dirty hair. They love any human head that can provide them with shelter, warmth and a food source. With that in mind, it is completely false that people who catch head lice are dirty or unkempt. Head lice can and does happen to everyone! It’s just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Lice Clinics of America is your source for all things HEAD LICE! We can help you identify if you have head lice. We can show you the best treatment options. We will be here to help you make sure your head lice problem is gone for good! Don’t wait! Even a day or two can escalate the problem tremendously.

 

Body Lice are another form of human lice that live on the body. Most often they can be found near armpits, by the waist, groin, shoulders, or neck area. This is because they actually live within the fabrics of clothing and bedding and so they like places where it rests against human skin. Unlike head lice, body lice are most often only found in unhygienic conditions. Places where people are unable to get the basic care or everyday conveniences of hot water, soap or laundry facilities such as refugee camps, sites of natural disasters, or homeless shelters.  Body lice also spread disease, unlike head lice. Their bites can transfer diseases and cause infections if not properly treated.

 

Pubic Lice are a tiny human parasite that most often spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Although most often found in pubic hair, they can be found in other areas of the body such as mustaches, beards, armpits, chest hair, or even eyebrows. Pubic lice are totally treatable and need to be taken care of immediately if symptoms are present.

 

If you are dealing with body lice or pubic lice, please contact a medical health care professional who can help you with these types of lice. Seek help immediately! The sooner you diagnose and eliminate the problem, the better.

 

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Do Your Head Lice Homework

Is your child showing symptoms of head lice? Are you feeling overwhelmed about what this could mean? Feelings of confusion, worry, and plain panic might start to set in!  

Here’s a quick lifeline for parents of head lice sufferers: Learn whatever you can about head lice. This a great place to start recovery.

 

Remind Me, What are Head Lice?

Head lice are a human parasite that feeds off of blood several times a day. They survive from the warmth of the scalp as well. They are the size of a small sesame seed and lay eggs all over the scalp.

Let’s look at what the experts say. The Centers for Disease Control lets us know that up to 12 million children between the ages of 3-10 will acquire head lice in the United States this year. That’s a lot of children! No wonder this is a common problem.   

Here is what the CDC says about what parents should understand,  “Head lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly. Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of an infested person. Anyone who comes in head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk. Spread by contact with clothing (such as hats, scarves, coats) or other personal items (such as combs, brushes, or towels) used by an infested person is uncommon. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.”

 

Can Head Lice Make My Child Sick?

Although the thought of blood-sucking parasites is extremely gross, rest assured that they do not transfer harmful diseases. The biggest worry you have is the stress, anxiety, and trouble they will cause to get rid of. They are also highly contagious. Make sure that you start resolving the problem ASAP to prevent a further outbreak in your home or community.

Itching, painful irritation, and open sores on the head are all effects of a head lice outbreak. Sleeplessness can occur as they are more nocturnal and can leave your head feeling tingly and itchy at night as you are trying to rest. If your child is showing signs of infection on their scalp from open scabs or excessive itching they could possibly also need medication from a doctor.

Most often, the worst thing that head lice inflict is stress and worry as you fight to get rid of them.

Here Are a Few Tips to Remember for Recovery

-Newly developed “super lice” show strong immunities to over the counter products. The result has been a greatly increased number in head lice outbreaks throughout the United States.

-Parents are learning the hard way that natural remedies and store-bought shampoos simply will not work any longer. Don’t be caught in an endless cycle of head lice!

–Lice Clinics of America offer a new revolutionary technique for destroying head lice. Our office is equipped to deliver results quickly and effectively in as little as one hour with the new AirAllé® treatment.

–Many parents testify that after weeks or months of attempting to remove head lice with nitpicking combs, over the counter shampoos, or natural remedies they have turned to Lice Clinics of America, extremely confused and at their wit’s end. Following the advice of our knowledgeable staff, they have eliminated the problem once and for all!

-Call our staff today at Lice Clinics of America to learn more!

 

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Relax, You’ve Got Head Lice Handled!

Every parent knows that feeling. The moment you feel like if one more thing is added to your plate you might just crumble. When your children are hit with head lice, staying calm can be a huge obstacle. We know that sometimes you might just want to curl up in a ball and cry!

Not only do you have the daily pressures of parenthood, but now you have to deal with a nasty case of head lice as well!

Studies show us that parents who take time to care for themselves are better equipped to care for their families. Even with every day, basic tasks life can be overwhelming. If you mix in difficult challenges like sickness, or head lice, things can get hard, fast.

A recent article from The Washington Posts suggests, “Maintaining the basic day-to-day with no extraordinary circumstances, keeping all those balls in the air, is a really demanding endeavor, and it leaves very little time for moms to be able to have fun, relax, rest and have downtime,” says Aimee Danielson, director of the Women’s Mental Health Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in the District.

We get it. Head lice are hard. We know what to do to bring relief to you and your kids. The best thing you can do to tackle this head lice headache is to call the Lice Clinics of America. Our clinic and staff are here to help you through this with the most effective and affordable head lice treatments out there.  

But, if you are having one of those “overload” days here are a few friendly tips to help you handle the head lice drama.

Healthy Ways to Relax:

  • Have a mommy or daddy timeout. Take a few minutes for yourself in a quiet room or even a closet. Sometimes you just need a quiet moment.
  • Ask for help. Call a trusted friend or sister/brother and ask them to take your kids for an hour or two while you do something you enjoy.
  • Exercise. Yoga, running, cycling, step, pilates or even just a simple walk can do wonders for the soul. Make time for your physical health.
  • Keep a daily journal. Just a line or two is enough. Write one thing that happened that made you laugh. Or simply one thing that you were blessed with that day.
  • Pray or meditate. No matter what your beliefs, taking time to ponder or pray is emotionally and mentally healthy. Clear your mind and make a game plan.
  • Prepare for the day. Every night before you go to sleep list your top priorities for the next day. Even if you can only have time for one or two things to get done, make sure you are doing what matters most.
  • Just breathe. Taking deep breaths and holding them in, slowly released helps calm your mind and soul.
  • Get a massage, or take a hot bubble bath.
  • Go on a date with your spouse/partner. Hire a baby sitter if you have to.
  • Put your children to bed early and have some YOU time. Better yet, go to bed early yourself! 
  • Take time to enjoy your children. Stop what you are doing and read a story, play a game, or go play at the park. Remember the joys of parenthood, not just the hard times.
  • Go on a spontaneous family trip, camping, to the movies or hike. Just get away for a few hours or days!
  • Remember, you are not alone. Every parent has days when they feel overwhelmed and unqualified. Do your best and the rest will work out.

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