AT-HOME LICE TREATMENT

Robin Wise Lofstromowner/operator

Seattle, Washington

© 2012

Presented by Nitwit Lice Removal

Be persistent.Be patient.

And learn through practice.

1Lice lifecycle

2FAQs 3How-to

The Cetaphil Method

The lice lifecycle

from adult to egg

to nymphand to adult again

1

Adults live for 30 days

Adults lay 4-5 eggs daily.

Nymphs emerge within 7-10 days

Nymphs mature within 9-12 days.

And then mature adult begins to eggs, whereas the older adults

die.

pediculis humanus capitis

• condition is called pediculosis• live for 30 days• feed 5 times/day on blood | pierce

your scalp | inject special saliva• about the size of a sesame seed |

very light brown or grey• close to the scalp | along the

hairline, at the crown, and behind the ears

• repelled by light• lice move by crawling only• males slightly smaller

pest, not pestilence

adult head lice

• virgin females do not reproduce• males’ front 2 legs used for holding

the female during copulation• pairing within first 10 hours | within

24 hours, copulation occurs frequently

• hazards of copulation: mating lasts more than 1 hour | may die within a few days | older females frequently die after copulation

reproductionsource: Wikipedia

• often found in clusters | look all along the scalp

• adult female secretes a glue, which quickly hardens into a sheath (similar to keratin)

• .8 cm | oval shaped | tan to coffee colored when embryo is inside

• eggs within ¼” to ½” inch {1 cm} are viable

• require constant body heat for incubation

eggssource: Centers for Disease Control

• nits are not eggs• nits are:

– hatched egg shells, still attached to hair

– eggs containing dead embryos, still attached to hair

• no-nit policies are misleading• nits do not indicate a current

infestation• proper identification of head lice

should be presence of live eggs and live lice

nitsDon’t be so nitpicky!

• emerge from their eggs within 7-10 days

• much smaller than mature lice• as compared to an adult finger,

100 nymphs could be lined up end-to-end

• mature within 9-12 days• shed their exoskeleton 3 times

before maturity• discarded exoskeletons are often

improperly identified as live lice• combs rarely get nymphs

nymphs

2 FAQs

answers to the 8 most common questions

• How come I didn’t know I had lice until just now?• How thoroughly do I need to clean my house?• Is it true that head lice are becoming resistant to pesticides?• What’s the best comb to use?• What about natural remedies?• What is the Cetaphil treatment?• What questions should I ask of a professional head lice

treatment provider?• How do I prevent subsequent lice infestations?

can I have head lice and not even know?

Symptoms

The itching that sometimes accompanies lice is caused by an allergic reaction to their saliva, and it can take weeks for it to

develop.

are head lice ever misdiagnosed?

2000 US research study, reported in the Pediatric Infection Disease Journal.

In a 2000 study, only 31% of the specimens submitted for a research study by physicians, parents, and teachers were actually lice.

35% were simple debris, such as dandruff, scabs, or dirt.

what informs my healthcare provider?Healthcare professionals may rely more on past practices and

norms.As professionals, they may distrust clinical research trials solicited

by manufacturers, which are clearly driven by profit

how do I clean my house?

Simple common sense

Housekeeping tasks should be simple to do and take little time.Lice do not live longer than 48 hours off their host.It is far more important to treat heads—not beds.

do I have to bag everything?

Simple common sense

If you choose to bag things up, 48-72 hours is sufficient.One cycle in the dryer is enough for washable and dryable fabrics.

Lay sheets over upholstered items, and swap out for 3 days.

are head lice resistant to pesticides?

Pesticides can be very unsafe!

Many families use pesticides one, even twice, to no avail.In addition to their health risks and bothersome side effects,

pesticides require multiple re-treatments.Follow the instructions exactly, and consult your doctor.

what about lindane (Kwell)?

Lindane requires a prescription from your doctor.

Lindane should only be used if all other treatments have failed.While the patient needs to keep it on for 8 hours, you must wear

disposable gloves to apply. Not good.

what about permethrin (Nix)?

Like all commercial products, Nix is only partially effective at killing eggs.

Nix is an over-the-counter product, which attacks the nervous system of lice.

Lice become paralyzed and eventually die.

what about malathion?

Pesticides can be very unsafe!

Malathion requires a doctor’s prescription.Besides side effects and inherent risks, it is also highly flammable.

what about Natroba?

Pesticides can be very unsafe!

Natroba was recently approved by the FDA.Like malathion, Natroba is highly flammable.

It is not recommended for children younger than 4 years of age.

is combing sufficient?

These include LiceMeister, RobiComb, Terminator, and more.

Combing may be sufficient, depending upon severity of infestation.Beyond the amount of time it takes to comb through the hair (which is

extensive, to be repeated almost daily), the fact is that any comb—even those with the finest teeth—rarely get every nymph and egg.

3 Demonstration

How to perform a head check.

Head checks

how about olive oil or mayonnaise?

These are commonly called “suffocants.”

These products act as suffocants, and are intended to plug the breathing holes of lice.

Any movement of the head, however, can dislodge them.And lice are known to hold their breath for up to 6 hours.

how about tea tree oil, mint, etc.?

See the research paper by Deon Canyon, University of Hawaii.

There is no scientific research which proves the effectiveness of repellents They can’t hurt – but they are not a reliable means of prevention.

The most effective way to treat head lice is through education, training, and practice—yours.

what is the Cetaphil treatment?

Also called the “Nuvo method.”

Cetaphil is a gentle liquid soap, recommended as a daily facial cleanser by dermatologists for people with sensitive skin.

how does the Cetaphil work?

Cetaphil acts as a suffocant.

Cetaphil is applied liberally to the hair, and then completely dried.Any live lice become trapped between soap and strand.The lice become entombed, and suffocate 8 hours later.

Why do you need to repeat repeat Cetaphil?

Cetaphil acts as a suffocant.

Cetaphil re-application is intended to interrupt the lice lifecycle.Both reapplications are spaced 7 days apart,

allowing nymphs a chance to grow large enough to trap.

3 Demonstration

How to perform a Cetaphil treatment.

Cetaphil treatment

what should i ask a treatment provider?

And when is a guarantee not a guarantee?

Lice treatment is a booming and lucrative business.There are many providers to choose from, including smaller operators,

large salons, and those who rely on commercial products and equipment.

what is the Shepherd method?The Shepherd method is a wet-head combing, followed by a headcheck.

Providers who claim to be certified in this method.The certifying body is Lice Solutions Resource Network, based in Florida,

which is structured as a 501( c)3.

who will treat you and your family?

If you hire a salon, consider how they conduct business.Salons who operate on a high volume may not offer you a great value.

Employees without a good wage and regular hours may not be invested in their work—or you.

how does your guarantee work?If you are expected to return in order to validate their guarantee, calculate

the cost of a return visit in terms of time.If you cannot return on time, what happens then?

how long is their guarantee?If their guarantee is valid for one or two weeks only, remember that two

nymphs left behind will have already been reproducing.And new nymphs will still be emerging.

what if they were not successful?

Find out what happens if you discover you still have lice after their guarantee has ended.

This may represent a hidden cost to you.

how much will it cost?Plan on at least 90 minutes per head.

Calculate the cost of travel in your total cost.If they cannot treat you at your convenience, calculate how long you or

your family will be absent from work and school.

can I prevent head lice?Encourage your children to never share hats, headwear, headbands, etc.

The most effective way to prevent head lice is to be vigilant by performing regular head checks.

Nitwit Lice Removal206-327-5782

www.nitwitseattle.com

because someone’s gotta do it!

Seattle’s only at-home lice treatment provider.Independently owned and operated, with 7 years of experience.

Offering a unique 30-day guarantee that pays you to be lice-free. Really.