Remove Head Lice Once and for All
Head lice infestations can be a frustrating and persistent problem, especially when over-the-counter treatments or home remedies don’t seem to work. If you’ve treated your family or yourself for lice, but those teeny tiny pests are still hanging on for dear life, it’s easy to feel defeated. Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and there are several steps you can take when treatments fail. In this guide, we’ll discuss the reasons lice treatments might not work and the most effective next steps to take to get rid of head lice for good.
When in doubt, professional lice clinics offer comprehensive services that can help eliminate lice, even when conventional treatments fail. These clinics also tout guarantees, so even if reinfestation does occur, you’re covered.
Why do lice treatments fail?
There are several reasons why lice treatments might not work, leaving you feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. Common causes of treatment failure include:
- Misdiagnosis: What you thought was dandruff or another scalp condition might actually be lice, or vice versa.
- Resistance to Treatment: Some lice have developed resistance to over-the-counter treatments, making them less effective.
- Improper Application: If treatments are not applied correctly, the lice and their eggs (nits) can survive. It’s important to treat both lice and nits, too. If you just remove the lice, but leave nits behind, they will hatch and continue the cycle.
- Re-infestation: Lice can spread through close contact, so even if one treatment works, you might be exposed again, especially if you didn’t thoroughly wash an infested hat, bedding, or furniture, and came back into contact with the lice.
Sometimes expert-led solutions may be necessary to fully eradicate lice. If you’re having trouble getting DIY or over-the-counter methods to work, it might be time to call a lice clinic near you.
Should You Try a Second Round of Treatment?
If your first attempt at treating lice doesn’t work, your initial instinct might be to repeat the treatment. However, this is not always recommended. Consider the following points before opting for a second round:
- Is it safe? Some treatments contain harsh chemicals that could damage your scalp or hair if overused. Other treatments might say right on the instructions that a second treatment might be necessary. Always check to see what is recommended!
- Did you treat all family members? Lice can easily spread, and untreated family members might be reinfecting others. You should also make sure you wash anything the lice might have come into contact with like bedding, hats, furniture, or car seats.
- What type of treatment did you use? Over-the-counter treatments are often less effective than professional-grade products and may require multiple treatments to be effective.
- Did you follow all the instructions? Even minor missteps can lead to treatment failure, such as not combing out nits properly. You’ll want to be extremely careful and by-the-book when treating head lice.
In many cases, seeking professional help after the first failure can save time and reduce frustration. Not to mention, that route will guarantee you results, while retreating yourself at home might still prove ineffective.
The Risks of Repeated DIY Lice Treatments
Continuing to use ineffective treatments could result in wasted time and money — and lice that are more difficult to eliminate. Here are the risks you face if you persist with at-home solutions:
- Chemical exposure: Repeated use of strong lice shampoos may lead to scalp irritation or allergic reactions.
- Stronger lice: Lice populations can develop resistance to certain products, making future infestations harder to treat.
- Time wasted: Every day that lice go untreated increases the risk of spreading them to others.
- Stress and anxiety: Dealing with recurring lice infestations can be emotionally draining, especially if children are involved.
What Happens During a Professional Lice Treatment?
If you’re considering professional treatment at a lice clinic, it’s important to know what to expect. Licensed lice clinics provide specialized care that addresses every stage of the lice life cycle. Most clinics follow these steps:
- Consultation: A thorough head check to confirm the presence of lice.
- Treatment Plan: A personalized treatment based on the severity of the infestation.
- Nit Removal: Manual combing to remove lice eggs that are often missed by over-the-counter treatments.
- Follow-up: Many clinics provide a follow-up appointment to ensure the lice have been completely eradicated.
- Prevention Tips: Professional services often come with guidance on how to prevent future infestations.
These steps ensure a more comprehensive and lasting solution than at-home treatments can provide.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment at a Lice Clinic
Before visiting a lice clinic, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Limit hair product use: Avoid using styling products like gel or hairspray before your appointment.
- Bring a change of clothes: Changing into clean clothes post-treatment can help prevent re-infestation – although science wise the risk of re-infestation from lice on clothes is extremely low.
- Communicate your concerns: Let the clinic know if you’ve used any treatments recently, as this can affect your treatment plan.
- Check other family members: Even if only one person shows symptoms, it’s often a good idea to have the whole family checked.
Lice Treatment Aftercare and Preventing Reinfestation
Once lice have been successfully removed, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from returning. This includes:
- Regular checks: Conduct routine head checks for all family members to catch any potential re-infestation early.
- Professional follow-up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your lice clinic to ensure that all lice and nits have been eliminated.
- Deep cleaning: Wash all bedding, hats, and clothing that came into contact with the infected person. Although lice can only live for about 30 minutes while not on the scalp, extra cleaning and precautions never hurt.
- Avoiding shared items: Don’t share hair brushes, hats, or other personal items that come in contact with the scalp.
Signs It’s Time to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes it can be difficult to know when to stop trying home remedies and call in the professionals. Here are signs that it’s time to make an appointment:
- Multiple failed treatments: If you’ve tried more than one at-home treatment with no success.
- Ongoing itching: Persistent itching after treatment could mean that lice or nits are still present.
- Widespread infestation: If multiple family members are infested, professional intervention is the quickest way to clear up the issue.
- Visible lice and nits: If you continue to see live lice or nits in your hair after treatment.
Partner with Professional Lice Clinics
If your lice treatment has failed, it’s time to seek professional help. The Lice Removal Network is here to connect you with expert lice clinics that provide fast, effective solutions. Schedule a consultation today with one of our trusted professionals and get the peace of mind you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the most effective treatment for head lice?
The most effective treatment for head lice is professional removal at a lice clinic, which includes manual nit combing, a hot or cold air therapy, or the use of specialized chemical based treatments. Over-the-counter products may be less effective due to lice resistance. For best results, seek help from a licensed lice clinic to ensure complete eradication.
How do you prevent head lice reinfestation?
To prevent head lice reinfestation, wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water, avoid sharing hair accessories or hats, and conduct regular head checks. Keep long hair tied up in crowded environments, and follow any aftercare instructions from a professional lice clinic. Scheduling follow-up checks can also ensure no lice or nits were missed.
Can you get reinfected with lice after treatment?
Yes, you can get reinfected with lice after treatment if you’re exposed to someone with an active infestation. To avoid reinfestation, it’s important to take preventive measures like avoiding shared personal items and conducting regular head checks. Professional follow-up treatments can also help ensure the lice are fully eradicated.