However, as a service to the Atlanta community, we are running another special this summer – Saturday morning in facility head lice checks for $10 per person (by appointment.)

We perform a comprehensive head lice check with a manual inspection of the head as well as a wet combing with a premier lice comb.  Once we find sufficient viable evidence of head lice, we cease the check and talk to you about your head lice treatment options.  A thorough comb through will be required in the absence of head lice (to confirm such.)  The head check process generally takes us up to 15 – 20 minutes per person (but can be much quicker if a case of head lice exists).  If you own a Terminator comb, we suggest you bring it with you.   If your child needs a clearance “certification” for camp or otherwise, we’ll prepare one before you leave.

Especially if you’ve never seen a case of head lice before, we know how difficult it can be to conclude if the dirt, sand, dandruff or other debris you’re seeing on your child’s (or your) head is truly lice.  So send your children to camp and start (or conclude) your vacations with a head check at Elimilice – and be certain!

Call for an appointment or contact us for any other assistance we can provide.

Elimilice Summer Saturday morning $10 head check special

The first family of four came in the morning from Alabama to our Atlanta/Dunwoody head lice facility for what they thought was to be head lice treatments but ended up being head checks only.  None had any evidence of head lice.

Later in the day, we saw two girls and their mom at our Decatur head lice facility for head lice checks and only one  treatment (of the three head checked.)  They’d traveled more than 50 miles each way to see us.

Both families were sure that all had head lice, but out of the seven individuals we checked, only one had an early case of head lice.  (It should be noted that the earlier a case of head lice is detected and completely removed, the less the likelihood of its multiplying and passing to other family members and friends.  This is why early detection and frequent head checks are key!) All were itchy and thought they’d found evidence of head lice when looking but there was no reason to worry.  We performed our thorough head lice checks (finding evidence on only one) and instructed them on how to do a proper head check at home.  We also suggested they buy effective product to perform a regular combing and prevent head lice going forward.

We hated that they’d had to travel so far for a definitive conclusion on the head lice situation for their families, but they were thrilled that Elimilice had given them “peace of mind.”

Remember that it’s not a foregone conclusion that all in the family will have head lice when one member does.  A head check BEFORE treatment (at home or via a professional service) is paramount.

Please contact us if we can help you in any way.

Therefore, there are bugs.  To me, sometimes, it seems like there are A LOT of bugs.  I’m one of those people that mosquitoes and spiders seem to really enjoy and my arms and legs are proof positive of that.

How to determine if it’s head lice or another bug?

What Do You See?

With the prevalence of insects around, probably 10 or 15 times a week, I receive calls from parents, babysitters and grandparents questioning if a bug that is found in his/her child’s or his/her own hair or on a pillow, bathroom sink, etc. is head lice.  I receive a full description, we talk a little and if it’s during business hours and they’re close, I tell them to bring the evidence in for inspection (with a microscope or otherwise.)  Often it’s after hours or it’s not convenient to come in so I just ask they send me a photo of what they’ve found.   I’m not sure of my exact track record, and sometimes the photos are so blurry that it’s impossible to conclude definitively, but I’d say 80-90% of the time, I can tell if the bug is a nymph (maturing head louse) or adult louse.

This photo was sent by a client on Saturday, and despite it’s being small and not too clear, I did not think that a head louse was reflected.  Because I’d given the mother some confidence that it was probably not a louse (and because I suggested a thorough Terminator combing), they were able to relax until they came to our facility on Monday for a head check (and it was confirmed that the child was head lice free.)

We see gnats, we see those little flying ants (and remember that head lice do not have wings so if the bug is flying or has wings, it is definitely not a head louse) and we see lots of other bugs – especially during the warm late spring/summer months.

Most people reference the internet where images of head lice are magnified and look like something from a science fiction movie.  Therefore, it’s always best to contact Elimilice.  We’re happy to analyze your photos and to help.

Many parents are then scheduling the after camp head checks at the same time (and often bringing the children right to us as they get off the bus), again just to ensure that their children are not bringing home any extra mementos (or shall we say “visitors”)  from their camp experience.

Families are stocking up on preventive product as well – buying two of our effective sprays, shampoos, conditioners, Terminator combs and gels and GETTING ONE FREE!  I’m sending my own children to camp next week with big bottles of essential oil based sprays and hope that they share with their bunkmates.  Other parents tell me that they divide the product into smaller, unmarked bottles but insist their children use the yummy scented items daily and that long-haired children wear their hair up while at camp.  Combined with the head checks from Elimilice and weekly head checks/head lice combing at home otherwise, we’re sure your family will prevent a full blown case of head lice.

Please contact us for all your head lice prevention and treatment needs.

Camps are starting and vacations are being scheduled.

Elimilice is offering two specials to help reduce the risk of your family being affected by head lice this summer:

1. In facility head checks for each/every family member at $10 per piece, by appointment.  Please call to schedule.
2. A buy two get one free special on preventive product (plus 50% off overstock product while supplies last.)  Please contact us before you come in to purchase to ensure we’re in facility or to request that we ship the product to you.

Now in its fourth year of service, Elimilice has seen thousands of children, parents and other family members since beginning operations.  The oldest head lice company in Atlanta performing services in both its own specially outfitted facilities as well as clients’ homes, Elimilice is also the only one certified in university research-based head lice removal and Better Business Bureau accredited.  All technicians are extensively trained and, because new products and removal methods appear on the market all the time, receive continuing and ongoing education.

We pride ourselves on being:

Discreet – We don’t share your information with anyone else.  Although we truly believe that news of a case of head lice should be shared with all in your circle in order to minimize the possibility for “passing it around and around”, we leave the communication to you.  Whether you come to us or we come to you (and our technicians are not waving flags or nor do they come in neon-signed vehicles), we are sensitive to your privacy.

Rapid – We’ve been doing this a while and are really good at it.  We truly do treat quickly.  Very quickly in most cases.  And the head lice are gone — we’re sure of it (but include a complimentary follow up check with any treatment for your continued peace of mind).  An average short-haired person is finished in an hour or so and an average medium to long haired, an hour and a half to two hours.   Done!  This really does save weeks of treating at home.

Cost effective – Yes, head lice removal is going to absorb some resources.  Using Elimilice, it will be financial resources.  (By contrast, treating your family yourself will require money, time and sometimes, a bit of your sanity – in the short term.)   As mentioned above, the length of an Elimilice treatment for an average short-haired individual is an hour, and for a medium to long-haired person, it’s an hour and a half to two hours.  Good bye head lice.  This comparison of Elimilice’s head lice removal service to other options  might help in making the decision.

Comprehensive – In almost every case, Elimilice removes the head lice in one treatment visit.  No need to purchase products to continue to treat yourself/your child(ren) at home.  No need for a second treatment visit.  You pay for complete head lice removal, and that’s what we deliver.

Relaxed – From the minute we step into your house or you come to one of our facilities, you will feel comfortable in knowing that “we got this.”  We’ll handle the head lice removal.  You don’t have to.  We’ll make sure you and your children are comfortable.  There are movies, snacks, juice/water and usually laughter and lots of smiles.  Hey – there might even be a glass of wine involved.   We’ll give you written instructions on cleaning your home and vehicle as well as for preventing future cases of head lice.   We take all the guesswork out of this nuisance!!

Please contact us for an appointment.

DON’T DO IT!!!!

I so understand how alarming it is to be presented with a case of head lice – especially at night when professional head lice services like Elimilice and pharmacies are closed.  You want to eliminate the head lice quickly and must get a start on it!!   However, using petroleum jelly WILL NOT solve the problem.    It might indeed suffocate some of the bugs if you leave it on long enough and have thoroughly coated every strand of hair (which is unlikely), but it will do nothing for the nits.

And the removal of the petroleum jelly can be as arduous as removing the head lice.  It will be nearly impossible to get to the nits under the coating the petroleum jelly will leave, and even the best head lice/nit comb will be rendered ineffective as it slips through the petroleum  jelly without grasping at the bugs and nits.

Please contact us for information on which products are effective for treating your family/yourself at home.  Emails and texts are answered from 6 am to 11 pm, seven days a week, generally within 15 minutes of submission.

Professional head lice removal is a specialized pursuit requiring the use of costly non-chemical products, and eliminating head lice either as a professional or as a parent/caregiver is very time consuming and labor intensive.   As I’ve said before, although there are many options, there really are none that are “magic”.  Professional head lice services reduce the time and energy dedicated to the removal process and with Elimilice’s service, provide you with the complete assurance that all the head lice are gone in one treatment visit.

If you actually consider the value of comfort, time lost at work and school and the cost of over-the-counter, prescription or other products, often using a professional service is LESS EXPENSIVE.   After finally utilizing Elimilice for the complete removal of head lice, parents often tell me they wish they’d come to Elimilice BEFORE they’d invested their time and money in unsuccessful attempts at removing the head lice.

The table here will provide some more details in terms of estimates on costs and time with respect to the varying options and to further embellish:

Over the counter (Rid, Nix or similar) – These are still the first choice of and recommended line of defense by many medical professionals and are the easiest/least costly to procure.   Recent studies provide continuing evidence that these products are less and less effective and some are even slightly toxic.  Every single day, we see clients who have been previously treated with these products, directions followed closely and still, they have head lice.  The temptation to use these products aggressively appears to be strong (for example, some people might use multiple brands of products on the same day, leave the product on longer than for directed, follow up with an additional application of the treatment in a shorter duration than reflected in the directions, etc.).  We often see agitated scalps, broken hair and hear complaints of ongoing itchiness which result from the presumed overuse of these products.  And the head lice still exist!

Prescription (non-toxic and otherwise) – The non-toxic lotions available by prescription can be pricey if you don’t have “generous” prescription coverage through your health plan (or don’t have coverage at all.)  Studies indicate that they’re more effective than the over-the-counter products but still, even the newest/most effective is up to only 74%  effective.  As I describe here, that means that more than one quarter of the people who use it will therefore still have head lice, exposing others to the continuing cycle.   Coupled with the right head lice comb (see below) and a dedication to two weeks of daily combing, we believe that success can be obtained.  Cursory cleaning of the home should continue until all evidence of head lice is completely removed.

Other remedies – We’ve heard them all.  Cetaphil (cap), olive oil, mayonnaise, Listerine, conditioner, hot iron, etc.  We see evidence (like blue green nits when Listerine’s been attempted) of their usage when we’re treating individuals who have been unsuccessful in their attempts.  However, coupled with the right lice comb (see below) and a dedication to two weeks of daily combing, we believe that success can be obtained.  Cursory cleaning of the home should continue until all evidence of head lice is completely removed.

Elimilice products/premier head lice comb – Your greatest tool for head lice removal and prevention is a premier head lice comb.  If you read this blog frequently or are a client of ours, you know that we keep making reference to it.  We believe that most products (with the exception of the Rid or Nix only), when coupled with a daily combing for  at least two weeks will enable you to remove the case of head lice completely.   Then, you want to use the comb every seven days or less to comb your child for the balance of his/her school career.  This is your best tool for prevention of head lice.  Additionally, Elimilice sells the products that it uses for head lice removal, in a kit form (and the kid includes one of the premier combs).  Please contact us to purchase.

Services – In almost every case, Elimilice removes the head lice in one treatment visit.  We provide you with written instructions on cleaning your home and car and on preventive procedures for reducing the risk of contracting head lice again.   After the treatment visit is complete, you can return to your life.  There might be a bit of cleaning, but there will be no more need for treatment.  We include a complimentary recheck to ensure there has been no further exposure to head lice and 45 days of further rechecks, by appointment, for $10 each if you feel you’d like ongoing assurance.

It’s important to remember that not all head lice services are “created equal.”  Elimilice provides head lice detection and removal services in your home or in our Decatur or Dunwoody facilities.   We adhere to very strict sanitary guidelines and the word “immaculate” has been used by clients to describe our facilities and us.  Our technicians have been intensely trained and have years of experience in head lice removal.  We may take a bit longer than the other services in town because we are significantly more thorough.  All the services use non-toxic product and comb with a premier head lice instrument.  Elimilice is the only service that first performs a thorough combing but then also goes through every hair, strand-by-strand and removes any nit the comb did not get.  There are times when, utilized by someone trained and experienced, the comb (coupled with the proper product) might indeed be sufficient, but we’re really fastidious and refuse to release treated individuals who are paying for our services or guarantee our work until we go the extra mile and inspect every piece of hair to ensure that all the head lice is truly gone.   Some services require you personally continue to comb in the ensuing days (with product you purchase from them) and some require, if a case is heavy, that you consider returning for another treatment within several days or so.  Some charge for follow up head checks.  Again, when the one time Elimilice treatment is finished, there is no further need for treatment processes.  None.  There are no adult lice, no maturing lice or nits (eggs.)  NONE.  We may take a little longer on the first round (and might even cost nominally more) but you’re DONE.

So I guess ultimately, the question is:

What is the complete removal of head lice with only non-toxic products/methods in one treatment visit, a comprehensive education in head lice prevention and your/your child’s time and comfort  worth to you?

Please contact us for additional information or to make an appointment.

There is so much mis-information about head lice, and it seems that many of the same questions surface at every talk.  I therefore thought I’d let you know what I’ve found are some of the most frequently asked questions about head lice:

How do you check for head lice?

I remember when my daughter was in Pre-K and the notes would come home about a case of head lice in her class or grade.  There would be an instruction, to “check your child.”  I’d brush her hair, move it around a little, maybe even flip some strands and peer at the part.  Otherwise, I hadn’t a clue.  Thankfully, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and I’m thrilled to share that knowledge with you.  Here are detailed instructions for how to perform a proper head check at home.  (At today’s presentation, the Principal, truly a good sport, allowed me to perform a modified head lice check on her for those in the audience to see.)  Alternately, you can always schedule a head lice check with Elimilice for between $10 and $20 per person where we’ll not only head check you/your family member(s) but will also teach you in person how to perform a head lice check at home.

Aren’t the head lice eggs/nits white?

Viable head lice eggs are generally tan to dark brown in color.  A casing (the shell of an egg that’s hatched) may appear somewhat white and/or translucent.  When you have casings, you generally have bugs (as again, there has been hatching.)  The magnified image below reflects what appears to be a viable nit flanked on both sides by head lice shells or casings.

(presumed) viable head lice nit surrounded by head lice casings

A viable nit will appear as bulbous and somewhat dark and cannot be removed with just a flick.  Frequently, when you see something white, if you can move it easily, it is dandruff, other scalp secretions or product residue.  Additionally, head lice nits are often laid in a quarter or half-dollar sized cluster.

I don’t even remember hearing about head lice when I was a kid.  Why does it seem that it’s everywhere now?

Why is combing with a premier head lice comb every week so important for prevention?

I emphasize the importance of weekly combing and even addressed this in a blog post after a school presentation I gave last year.  All of my details with  respect to preventive techniques are the same, and it is specifically important to head lice comb every seven days or less to prevent a full case of head lice ever “taking root.”  If you comb a fertilized female louse out before she can lay numerous eggs and/or before eggs start to hatch, you will preempt a full blown case.  If during a once a week check, you comb out an adult louse and some nits, you can work on this (without any significant treatment or the risk of exposing others), but if you let it go to the point that nits are beginning to hatch (approximately 7 to 10 days), with nymphs maturing, the treatment will be more onerous.

Is Ulesfia a good treatment product?

I recently discussed some of the head lice prescription treatment product options.  Ulesfia is one that has gained a bit of popularity with pediatricians.  It is a non-toxic lotion with a benzyl alcohol base that received FDA approval at about the same time as I started this business.  We love that there is no insecticide in it but we’ve also seen weekly “fails” (i.e. families that have tried the product but are still coming to us with evidence of active cases of head lice.)  Ulesfia does appear to suffocate the bugs but does not really do much for the nits that were previously laid by the bugs.  The theory seems to be, in using the product on Day 1 and Day 8 that you will kill any bugs that hatch in between Day 2 and Day 8 with the second application on Day 8.  But what about exposure of others to the nymphs that are on the head after hatching?  And what about eggs that hatch on Day 10?  Additionally, contingent upon your pharmacy, the drug retails for approximately $50 – $60 a bottle and long/thick-haired individuals will require multiple bottles (and again, two applications.)  Some “generous” prescription reimbursement plans might reduce the end payer’s cost, but we have had clients spend more than $300 for the product that still did not eliminate the head lice.

For the answers to other questions or other assistance with head lice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Specifically, we often have people come to us requesting immediate treatment.  They want to bypass a head check and go right to head lice treatment – “just to be sure.”  Suspecting or fearful of head lice, they may have even treated everyone in the family with an over the counter product or otherwise – “just to be sure.”

Or it may be that we perform an in home or in facility initial head lice check (as we do before we begin any treatment – even when we’ve identified a case at a school level head check performed by Elimilice technicians) and find just a nit or two or perhaps only one nymph or adult louse in a client’s hair.  It may be that a family has been in an exposure situation but has smartly come to us very soon thereafter.  Or perhaps they’ve been home treating a known case of head lice, want us to “finish their work,” but we find only remnants (nit casings or non-viable nits) of head lice.  We also sometimes find that mothers of children we’re treating for head lice (and to a lesser extent, fathers of children with head lice) have minimal evidence of exposure to head lice and truly do not require a full treatment.   However, frequently, these people want us to treat!

Elimilice maintains a strict policy whereby we will only perform a head lice removal treatment when viable evidence of an active case of head lice exists.  Although it might be considered financially fruitful to do otherwise, we will never treat individuals who present with less but will provide instructions and product recommendations for the actions that should be taken in both the short and long-run to ensure that all evidence is indeed removed from the individual’s hair and to prevent future possible cases of head lice.

Additionally, in the past couple of days, we’ve had clients who have come to us after months of treating themselves and their children for head lice.  Over the counter head lice removal products, home remedies, prescriptions . . .  but they swear that they cannot rid themselves of the head lice.  The adults exclaim that they can “feel crawling on their heads.”  Yet, we find absolutely no evidence of head lice (and we almost always find non-viable evidence of clients who have self-treated.  This would not justify continuing treatment but it would provide us with confirmation that there was head lice present previously.)  They insist on treatment, but this is in direct conflict with the Elimilice policy to treat only when viable evidence of a case of head lice exists.  These are especially troubling situations for us as we do not possess the resources or expertise to help these individuals with an issue that is clearly beyond the scope of what we do.

Treatment for head lice should be performed only for those individuals who truly require it.  We consider this a “moral imperative” and know that it gives our clients confidence (when coming to us for head checks) that Elimilice does not gratuitously treat when such is unnecessary.   And as Hamlet said, “There’s the rub . . .  “

Please contact us if we can be of assistance.