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Where do lice come from?

Why the poisons don't work

How to Remove Lice and Nits

You have two problems.

What are nits?

Pictures of head lice and nits

Head Lice Re-Infestation

Will the lice come back?

Re-infestations of Head Lice

Unfortunately, for most people, re-infestations happen. There are four main reasons for this:

1. They used ineffective products.
2. They used effective products ineffectively (didn't follow directions).
3. They failed to treat their environment.
4. They didn't take precautions to prevent re-infestations.

Ineffective Products

When people use pesticide-based products that head lice have developed a resistance to, not all the lice and nits are killed. This is the most common reason for re-infestations. The obvious solution is to use an effective treatment instead of the pesticides.

Didn't Follow Directions

Often people are afraid of the lice or nervous and upset when they are treating an infested head. Sometimes the results are improper use of an otherwise effective product. When the directions are not followed carefully, even the best product will not be able to do a complete job.

Failed to Treat the Environment

Head Lice are on the heads in the family. But the bugs and their nits (eggs) are also in the environment. They are on bedding, furniture, clothing, automobiles...they could be anywhere a hair may have fallen. And since we all lose dozens of hairs daily, this is a very real problem. Also head lice often just drop off someone's head to escape treatment. Then they crawl back on the same person or a different person when the lice-killing product is no longer around.

Didn't Take Precautions to Prevent Re-Infestations

It's very important to take precautions against re-infestations when there are head lice in the circle of family and friends or even in the community. Use of a lice-repellant is very helpful. Also, daily, close inspections and combing with a lice comb can catch re-infestations early before they get out of control. It's easier to get that first louse than to deal with dozens of lice and hundreds of nits that re-appear because you weren't vigilant.