Head Lice Continues to be a Nit Picking Problem

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, August 10, 2012 (Press-News.org) When it comes to treating head lice everyone has a different opinion. Which product is the best to use? Should children be sent home with lice and is combing really necessary?

The Internet is flooded with well intended advice with each suggesting that their solution is the only right way for parents to eliminate head lice. "I can't begin to tell you how many parents swear that 'after trying everything available' they finally discovered which product really worked," shared Katie Shepherd, Author of Lice Advice, The Shepherd Method of Strand by Strand Nit Removal and the Executive Director of nonprofit agency Lice Solutions Resource Network, Inc. Shepherd however believes that the fact that they have been diligent in their attempts to treat the head lice is more likely the magical solution than the item they pulled out of their kitchen cabinet. "The clue here is the fact that they have already tried everything," she stated. "Persistence pays off when it comes to treating head lice."

So what about the many new products on the market? Do they really work? Shepherd admits that she is grateful that there are newer and safer products available and that her facilities were instrumental in bringing most of those new products to market. "Almost every new product available was tested in our office so we know firsthand how these products are matching up. The most important point is that we continue to look for safe options when it comes to treating head lice, but we must also keep in mind that there is no miracle potion. It just doesn't exist," Shepherd stated. According to Shepherd, products assist in the elimination of live lice but it is the willingness to communicate with those around you and using a good comb that ultimately helps put an end to the ongoing lice problem. "If I had my way a good lice comb would be on the school supply list of every school in the country," she added.

Why is it then that some products are stressing 'No combing needed'? "For me whether or not the products have ovicidal effect isn't the real question. Nits, viable or not, cause unnecessary tangles in the hair. There is also the social stigma attached when your child's friends discover hair full of nits on your child. And try explaining to your stylist that the nits are all dead, so it's alright to cut your child's hair. It just won't happen. And really, what responsible parent wants their child running around with hair full of nits?" If that isn't reason enough to remove nits from your child's hair, Shepherd suggest you take the time to read the labels. Hmm- Retreat one week after first treatment, if live lice are seen. "Why" asks Shepherd "Because the likelihood that some nits have hatched still exists. Problem is that the live lice are difficult to find, especially the newly hatched nymphs which are no bigger than the tip of a sharp pencil. By the time parents discover that their child still has head lice, the lice have started an entirely new family."

Best advice "There is no shortcut to doing the job right," explained Shepherd. "It's better to take the time on day one and comb everything out. Then spend a few minutes combing every few days, over the next few weeks, to ensure no further contact exist."

Lice Solutions Resource Network, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit head lice awareness and control center. Originally, setup as a community outreach in 1998 and formally established as a 501(c)3 in November 2001, it has helped change the way families deal with head lice around the world. Today, Katie Shepherd, with her work through Lice Solutions, is recognized as one of the leading head lice experts in the industry. With their main office in West Palm Beach, Florida and additional offices in Tifton, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee, Ms. Shepherd has trained and certified nearly 100 for-profits companies throughout the United States and Canada. Thanks to their research division, most new treatment products hitting the market today went through clinical trials in a Lice Solutions facility. Lice Solutions enjoys ongoing relationships with several Universities. Ms. Shepherd's book Lice Advice- The Shepherd Method of Strand by Strand Nit Removal is the only book in the world that shares up-to-date lice information and effective treatment methods. Her book can be found in over 20 countries. Her second book "Head Lice 101- Everything you NEVER wanted to know about head lice" will be available winter 2012.

Website: http://www.licesolutions.org