Selfies are Great, But Don’t Touch; Problem as Old as the Ages; Trains, Planes & Do They Present Lice Problem

Selfies are Great, But Don’t Touch ... A Problem as Old as the Ages ... Trains, Planes and Do They Present a Lice Problem?

Selfies are Great, But Don’t Touch

Are selfies causing an increase in lice infestations among teens? Children and teenagers (and adults, too, of course) love to take self-portraits. Typically it’s the younger kids who would have head-to-head contact, sticking their heads together when taking cell phone pics. When treating patients for lice and nits, lice removal experts always inquire about recent activities that may have caused the problem. Sure enough, youngsters, most report taking selfie close-ups with friends every day.

Children, tweens and teens should be reminded and cautioned by their parents to avoid direct head-to head-contact when taking these pics. Don’t get pesties from selfies. (From FoxNews.com.)

A Problem as Old as the Ages

It seems that everyone loves dinosaurs these days. But did lice also love dinosaurs, back in the day?

We may have to reimagine the Age of Dinosaurs, with a wide array of birds and mammals and – yes – pre-extinction lice moving among them. The Natural History Museum in London suggests early lice activity/diversification as far back as 145 million years ago. That’s WAY before the general extinction of dinosaurs, and most animals and plants -- which happened “only” 65 million years back. So we can visualize feathered dinosaurs being pestered by lice, just like the birds of today.

Certainly we know that lice and mites were among the survivors - of which there are 3,000 lice species today. They’re tough, hardy little things. Several species of bird lice thrive these days. Our pet guinea pigs, cats, and dogs can also be afflicted. Fortunately, most of the lice that want your pets aren’t interested in humans. (From NYTimes.com.)

Trains, Planes and Do They Present a Lice Problem?

With warmer weather on the way, are you thinking or planning summer vacations? But what about the airplanes, trains and buses and taxis we may share? Can we catch head lice or other nasties from headrests, seatbacks or other surfaces?

Commercial airliners can fly between two and eight trips daily, depending on size of aircraft and flight schedules. That means many other people have sat or will sit in your seat. While catching head lice on an airplane or other public seat is NOT a common occurrence, head lice can be transferred in the short term from a person’s head to pillows, blankets or even seat covers. You can use a lice repellent spray or solution on you head prior to traveling that day. Wear long pants when you travel. Alcohol pads could be a good idea to clean vinyl seating surfaces before sitting. Head lice can only survive up to 24 hours without a host, so most experts say not to worry about it. But, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

It’s probably a good idea to sanitize the surfaces you touch as best you can, even in the hotel. At least you’ll help stop colds and flu that could put a damper on your vaca. (Source: Frommers.com)

Have Questions? Call the Experts

For the latest information regarding head lice prevention and treatment, contact the experts at DeLiceful. Not only are they up to speed with all of the best practices on avoiding head lice infestation, they are your “go-to resource” for everything you need to get rid of a head lice problem.

With locations in Hauppauge and Great Neck, NY, DeLiceful provides a salon-style experience. Their lice-removal facilities are bright, airy, clean and well maintained.  Comfortable furniture, big screen TVs, cable television programs, DVD players, and family-friendly movies will keep everyone properly entertained. The “Treat Once and Treat Right” philosophy eliminates the need for multiple appointments.

Call today!

DeLiceful: Effective. Confidential. Affordable.

Contact by email: info@deliceful.com

By appointment only:

Suffolk County location:
1 Angelica Court
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-724-7444

Nassau County location:
216 Lakeville Road (Rear Cottage)
Great Neck, NY 11020
516-773-4333

www.DeLiceful.com

Massachusetts Tragedy Underscores Need for Caution & Safety When Choosing Lice Treatment Options

A tragic incident in Springfield, Massachusetts highlights the dangers associated with some do-it-yourself treatments for head lice. Springfield police are investigating the death of an 18-month-old child who suffocated apparently because of a home remedy touted for eliminating head lice. A police spokesperson said the little girl’s scalp was covered in mayonnaise and a plastic bag was placed on her head, in an attempt to kill the bugs. She was left unattended and fell asleep.  The bag slipped down over her head and the girl was suffocated, as reported by the Associated Press in early February, 2015.

While mayonnaise, fats, oils and other common home-based solutions have been tried in the past to eradicate head lice, there is no scientific proof that these methods actually work, according to the Massachusetts Dept. of  Health. This tragedy highlights the dangers that can come about as a result of their use.

Use of Chemicals Without Professional Supervision Another Danger

While mayonnaise may seem harmless enough, some treatments call for strong chemicals, such as Lindane. According to RxList, the online pharmaceutical guide, Lindane Lotion can be toxic. Seizures and deaths have been reported after its unregulated (non-professional) use.

Winter Season an Active Time for Lice Transmission

Kathy Zappulla, a certified and recognized expert in eradicating head lice and nits, points out how the danger of infestation persists year-round. “It’s a misperception that lice are less active in the cold months. Parents need to be vigilant at all times.”

New School Policies May Surprise You

Ms. Zappulla also notes how important it is to be aware of changes in your child’s school policy regarding lice infestation. “Children who have been diagnosed and are undergoing treatment for lice and nits may return to classes earlier than previously recommended. Some medical experts also say it may not be necessary for students to immediately be sent home after the detection of lice and nits – if they are undergoing a professional treatment program. “

Professional Treatment Is Key to Success

Contacting an expert lice treatment service such as DeLiceful, with offices in Great Neck and Hauppauge, Long Island, can get things under control quickly while avoiding accidents and wasted time and effort. Ms. Zappulla is the owner and founder of DeLiceful. “We specialize in teaching awareness of the problem, effective all-natural treatments, and prevention,” she emphasizes. “Safety is always our Number One priority.  As more school districts revise their ‘no nit’ policies, it is vital that affected children adhere to a specific follow-up program in order to maintain their school access. DeLiceful clients are given the information and tools needed to effectively complete the process. They are also given a complimentary check-up to make sure the pests are gone once and for all!”

“Treat Once and Treat Right” in a Spa-like Setting

With locations in Hauppauge and Great Neck, NY, DeLiceful provides a salon-style experience. Their lice-removal facilities are bright, airy, clean and well maintained.  Comfortable furniture, big screen TVs, cable television programs, DVD players, and family-friendly movies will keep everyone properly entertained. The “Treat Once and Treat Right” philosophy eliminates the need for multiple appointments.

Contact DeLiceful today!

By email: info@deliceful.com

By appointment only:

Suffolk County location:
1 Angelica Court
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-724-7444

Nassau County location:
216 Lakeville Road (Rear Cottage)
Great Neck, NY 11020
516-773-4333

www.DeLiceful.com

Medical Associations Agree on Earlier School Return for Students Undergoing Nits Treatment

Children who have been diagnosed and are undergoing treatment for lice and nits may return to classes earlier than previously recommended. That’s the latest thinking among medical associations who now consider nits a nuisance -- not an illness.

Welcome back… to school. To work. To your family and friends.  

Children who have been diagnosed and are undergoing treatment for lice and nits may return to classes earlier than previously recommended. That’s the latest thinking among medical associations who now consider nits a nuisance – not an illness. They note that nits are not contagious. They also say it may not be necessary for students to immediately be sent home after the detection of lice and nits.

These professional groups include Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of School Nurses.

“No-nit policies don’t make medical or scientific sense,” says Dr. Barbara Frankowski, professor of pediatrics at University of Vermont. Frankowski is the lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics study recommending changes in school lice policies.  She notes the nits – lice eggs – are firmly cemented to the child’s individual strands of hair. “They’re not going anywhere and pose no risk to other children.”  In addition, others recommend rather than sending a lice-afflicted child home immediately, allowing that child to remain in the classroom a few more hours is not putting other children at risk.

The goal is to maximize school attendance and decrease social stigma. But medical professionals also note it is very important for students undergoing treatment to stay with a strict follow-up plan.

Professional Treatment Is Key to Success

Contacting an expert lice treatment service such as DeLiceful can get things under control and help keep your child in school. DeLiceful specializes in teaching awareness of the problem, effective all-natural treatments, and prevention. As more school districts revise their “no nit” policies, it is vital that affected children adhere to a specific follow-up program and maintain their school access. As part of the overall treatment, DeLiceful clients are given the information and tools needed to effectively complete the process. They are also given a complimentary check-up to make sure the pests are gone once and for all!

 “Treat Once and Treat Right” in a Spa-like Setting

With locations in Hauppauge and Great Neck, on Long Island, NY, DeLiceful provides a salon-style experience. Their lice-removal facilities are bright, airy, clean and well maintained.  Comfortable furniture, big screen TVs, cable television programs, DVD players, and family-friendly movies will keep everyone properly entertained. The “Treat Once and Treat Right” philosophy eliminates the need for multiple appointments.

Contact DeLiceful today!

By email: info@deliceful.com

By appointment only:

Suffolk County location:
1 Angelica Court
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-724-7444

Nassau County location:
216 Lakeville Road (Rear Cottage)
Great Neck, NY 11020
516-773-4333

www.DeLiceful.com

Effective. Confidential. Affordable.

Be on the Alert – Lice Don’t Take a Holiday in Winter!

The winter months are one of the peak times for head lice transmission.

Ah, the Joys of winter for those of us living in the Northeast:  Happy holidays, Christmas trees, wonderful visits with family and friends. The winter months are also one of the peak times for head lice transmission. The pesky critters are still on the move even with a drop in temperatures. They can hide in the many layers of clothing, hats, gloves, scarves we use to ward off the chill, and then move from item to item as pieces of clothing touch or are hung together.

What can we do about it?  For starters, periodically throw outdoor clothing in the dryer for 20 minutes or so. Emphasize to your children not to share coats and hats with their friends. Take a few minutes to inspect outdoor clothing, especially after play visits and schooldays. Wash combs and brushes in hot, soapy water.

Head lice are tiny parasites that move by crawling. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed, and vary in color from graying white to tan to dark brown. Immature lice are smaller. Nits are their eggs, and look like white specks.

If you DO find lice in clothing or combs, then it’s time to put the kids under the spotlight.  The American Academy of Dermatologists points to these symptoms:

 • Itching and scratching, and the sensation of something moving on the scalp.
 • Do an inspection in good light. Part your child’s hair. Look for movement. Inspect for sores or a rash where your child might be scratching.
 • Slow, careful wet combing is a useful tool to detect active head lice.
 • While common dandruff (flaking of scalp skin) is easy to comb out, lice and nits attach themselves firmly to the base of the hair. Dandruff flakes appear throughout the hair, whereas most nits appear close to the scalp.

Contact DeLiceful, New York’s Premier Lice & Nit Removal Service

Do-it-yourself treatment can be very time-consuming, yet still have a hit-or-miss result, possibly bringing you right back to square one. Contacting a professional lice treatment service such as DeLiceful can get things under control quickly. DeLiceful specializes in teaching awareness of the problem, effective all-natural treatments, and prevention. DeLiceful is a valued member of the community, gaining referrals from friends, families, pediatricians and pharmacists.

The comprehensive, 360-degree method perfected by DeLiceful brings together all of the current tools and best practices to eliminate the problem:

 • Application of the DeLiceful Mousse, a natural non-toxic solution that targets live lice and prepares the scalp for the next step. No harsh chemicals or pesticides like those found in over-the-counter remedies are used.
 • After the Mousse enzymes begin to take effect, DeLiceful combs … combs … and combs again. Our technicians are experts trained in the Shepherd MethodTM, a meticulous hair-strand by hair-strand search for and removal of lice and nits. Our specialized combs and tools go far beyond conventional home treatments.
 • After repeated combing, DeLiceful blow dries the hair, and carefully checks every single strand under magnification. Any remaining pests are eliminated.
 • After the manual nit removal process, DeLiceful technicians apply another Mousse treatment. Short hair is combed and styled, and long hair is put into a bun. At home, parents wash out the last mousse treatment with regular shampoo.

Of course, it is important to check the child frequently to make sure the infestation doesn’t occur again. Clients are asked to revisit DeLiceful for a complementary check that ensures the pests are gone once and for all. The “Treat Once and Treat Right” philosophy eliminates the need for multiple and possibly needless appointments.

Check with your insurance company to see if you can be reimbursed for hiring a professional service. DeLiceful will supply you with detailed statements to submit with your claim.  No extra fees for holiday, weekend or evening appointments.

DeLiceful: The Most Effective Means to an End

Contact by email: info@deliceful.com

By appointment only:

Suffolk County location:
1 Angelica Court
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-724-7444

Nassau County location:
216 Lakeville Road (Rear Cottage)
Great Neck, NY 11020
516-773-4333

www.DeLiceful.com

Effective. Confidential. Affordable.