Bouncing Back from Back Surgery

Have you been treating head lice with over-the-counter remedies but finding that the pests keep coming back? Nobody wants those pesky lice to stick around any longer than necessary. So for your next round of head-lice treatment, follow these tips to ensure the treatment is effective.

Don't condition the hair first.

For most people, using conditioner is a natural step in the shampooing process. However, in the days leading up to your lice treatment, you should avoid conditioner. It coats the hair and the lice so that the medication can't come into as close of contact with the lice. Also avoid using conditioning shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and hair sprays. Just shampoo your hair with a mild shampoo, let it dry, and then proceed with the lice treatment.

Use two boxes if needed.

Usually, the amount of medication in the lice treatment box is enough for someone with medium-length hair or shorter. If your hair is past your shoulders or very thick, you may need a second box in order to achieve full coverage. It's better to use a little too much than not enough, since you only have to miss one spot for the lice to come back. Make sure each and every hair on your head is fully saturated with product, regardless of how many boxes this takes.

Wash all of your linens and hair accessories.

Immediately after your treatment—before using your bed—wash all of your linens with detergent in hot water. Also dry them on high heat in a dryer. This should kill any lice so you don't become re-infested once you lay your head on these items. Make sure you also launder any towels, pillows, and head wraps that you use regularly. Wash your brushes, combs, and hair ties with hot water and soap in the sink.

Vacuum the furniture.

Sometimes lice end up in a sofa or chair, and then you become re-infested when you sit down. Vacuum all of your soft furniture with the wand attachment on your vacuum. Then, dispose of the vacuum bag immediately so the lice don't crawl back out of it. Lice can only live for a day or two on furniture, so if there's any doubt whether you've vacuumed these surfaces thoroughly, just avoid sitting on them for a few days.

Getting rid of lice can be a hassle. However, with the tips above, you're almost certain to be successful this time around.