Have Some Unexpected Holiday Guest Left You Scratching Your Head?

BELLE PLAINE, MN, January 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) Now that the tree is put away and the house has returned to normal have you noticed that your head is a little itchy? With all the extra hugs and photos taken during the holidays, it's easier than ever to receive that unwanted gift that just keeps on giving.

According to Paula Salas, owner of Kooty Katchers, a lice removal service that specializes in The Shepherd Method of Strand-by-Stand Nit Removal, calls have been coming in from all over the metro area with concerns of overly itchy heads as parents fanatically claim that they have found what looks like head lice. "One mom shared that the school e-mailed parents before the holiday break asking that they remind their kids not to share hats and to avoid close contact during winter break" Salas stated. "The thought is nice, unfortunately the sensibility behind that is not. Lice don't live off the head and it's impossible to avoid close contact among kids."

And with winter in full swing parents like Gina Anderson have plenty to say about the head lice problem. "Well, it's that time of year. With all the hats and scarves that are being worn it's hard to avoid lice." Salas however explained, "The chance of getting head lice from an article of clothing or furniture is so miniscule it's hardly worth worrying about. Head to head contact is the most likely way for lice to transfer." Salas went on to add, "Better lice education is the key to ending all the myths surrounding head lice. And being more vigilant about weekly head checks can help in reducing the spread of lice, as well as the severity of the infestation."

"Too many parents panic when they think they have found lice and all too often they rush out and treat needlessly," Salas commented. "Always check first and ensure that it is in fact lice; and only treat if necessary."

For those itching for more information Salas shares the following facts of lice:

- Fact: Lice do not jump or fly; they are wingless and have 6 legs with claws that clamp down on the hair shaft.
- Fact: Lice can't survive in the environment; they need human blood and the warmth of the scalp to survive.
- Fact: Once a louse is off of your head it will die within 24 hours. They need to feed every 4-6 hours to survive once they miss a couple of meals their body starts to shut down. A baby nymph needs food every couple of hours or it will die.
- Fact: Lice are nocturnal and even if you are sleeping you are never really getting a good night's sleep. Hence the phrase, a lousy night's sleep!
- Fact: most common means of spreading lice is through head to head contact. Lice move really fast!
- Fact: Lice can't live on your pets!
- Fact: A female louse can lie up to 8-10 eggs a day.
- Fact: Yes, you can have lice and not even know it. Although itching is commonly associated with head lice only 50% of people with lice itch. Itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the bug's saliva. Like any allergy not everyone reacts.

As a hair care specialist for 20 years, Salas has always been on the lookout for head lice. Now she hopes to provide that same caring service in a slightly different field as she helps families eliminate their head lice problems. Kooty Katchers focus is on educating and helping prevent needless treatments. Their common sense approach to minimal, yet sensible, cleaning helps bring peace of mind to many distraught parents. Kooty Katchers treat once and do it right method provides clients with a 30-day guarantee, assuring them that lice are no longer a problem in their home. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 612-803-6699 or visit them on the web at www.kootykatchers.com.