Would you believe it if I told you that I have someone in my clinic on a weekly basis that is loaded with lice who had recently been given the “all clear” by a physician? The most often scenario is this: An adult or child has an intense itch on their head that is keeping them up at night. They have checked and checked (and checked!) their kiddo or self for lice and have seen nothing. At a loss, they head to the dermatologist who notes that they have a rash on their neck, decide it must be eczema, and promptly write a prescription for a steroid cream. Patient uses cream with minimal improvement and finally lands in my chair for a proper lice screening. And I am flabbergasted that the doctor or nurse didn’t see what I am seeing. Typically , 5h3 person has an obvious case of lice. So how can physicians miss it so often? It’s very simple, actually. 1. They have received little to no training on what to look for (hint: it’s NOT moving bugs) and 2. They don’t use magnifying goggles or a bright light.

The second scenario is that they take the child to the ER or Urgent Care (people really DO go to the ER to be checked for lice!) and they also don’t see the evidence.

What can you do to check at home? It’s easy! STOP looking with your eyes. It’ hopelessly infective. Instead, buy a Terminator nit comb from amazon and put a bunch of conditioner in your hair . Comb from scalp to ends and wipe the comb/conditioner on a paper towel. See a bunch of black/gray specs? BINGO. Those are eggs. See nothing? You are all good.

Your welcome 😊

Erin Sheen
Lice Nannies USA