Inland Empire Lice Clinic

A few tidbits from today's NPR interview with professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. Dawn Nolt:

NOLT: [...] So it's important to remember that it takes about four to six weeks for someone to really show and start itching from head lice. And so, you know, once it's detected, it's probably really been there for about a month.

[...]

NOLT: [...] We don't want to embarrass or cause anxiety in that child. And we just reassure them and reassure families, which are probably the people who are probably more, actually, anxious. But we want to tell them that, you know, lice is a common childhood disease. It's found worldwide. It can attach to anyone's head. It doesn't discriminate. And we can get you treated. And you will, in a bit of time, be able to not have it on your head anymore.

Heads Up: What CDC guidance says about school kids and head lice NPR's A Martinez talks to Dr. Dawn Nolt, a professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, about why CDC guidance says kids can stay in school even if they have lice, which may differ than what many adults recall.

Lie: Having lice is a reflection of poor hygiene.

Lice are parasitic insects that can infest the hair and scalp of anyone, regardless of their hygiene practices. They spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact, which means that even people who bathe regularly and maintain good personal hygiene can get lice if they come into close contact with an infested person.

While maintaining good hygiene can help in detecting lice early and taking steps to remove them, it does not completely prevent lice infestations. Lice are common among children because they often play closely together and share personal items such as hats, brushes, and hair accessories, which can facilitate the spread of lice.

It's important to treat lice promptly using appropriate methods and to inform those who may have been in close contact so they can check for and address any infestations as well.

Don't let lice ruin your weekend - let us take care of it for you! 🙌