Q. Why does my scalp itch?
A. Head lice, like mosquitoes, need a blood meal at least 4 times a day, and more often if they are babies. Like mosquitoes, they leave behind saliva, anti-coagulant and some anesthetic. Most people do not have an immediate allergic reaction to these substances. However, some people, after 1-2 months, can develop an allergic reaction to the bite, which leads to severe itching and, often, a typical rash on the back of the neck.

Q. My child's head does not itch, could she still have head lice?
A. Yes, some people do not develop an allergic reaction to lice bites.

Q. Can my pet get head lice?
A. No, only humans can get head lice.

Q. Why don’t over-the-counter lice shampoos work?
A. Over the years head lice have developed resistance to lice shampoos.

Q. Should I use prescription shampoos?
A. Although prescription shampoos are sometimes prescribed by pediatricians, head lice have also developed resistance to these drugs. In addition they are likely to contain strong pesticides which can be highly toxic to the nervous system, especially in children. The skin on children’s scalps is very thin and very absorbent. In addition, clinical trials have shown that some of these prescription pesticide shampoos may contain carcinogens.

Q. What should I do with my hairbrushes, combs, hair ties, elastics and scrunches?
A. The best thing to do is to wash plastic combs in soap and water. Hairbrushes, hair ties, elastics and scrunches can all go in a Ziploc bag in the freezer for 24 hours.

Q. Do we need to bag the stuffed animals?
A. You do not need to bag stuffed animals; lice cannot survive without a human head, because head lice are very temperature and humidity sensitive, and once off a human head they start to die and become dehydrated.

Q. How are head lice spread?
A. Through direct head-to-head contact.