Let’s be honest; I’m not exactly a germaphobe. My cleaning habits? Let’s just say they’re somewhere between “meh” and “what’s that dust bunnie?” I certainly don’t follow an all-organic, non-GMO diet (grocery shopping can feel like a marathon). And yes, I did indulge in a half-eaten candy bar I found in my car while waiting for my kid’s practice to wrap up. (Hey, I was starving!)
But despite my laid-back attitude toward dirt and germs, I completely lost my cool when I discovered lice crawling through my child’s hair. As cavalier as I am about questionable snacks, seeing live bugs in my kids’ hair was a whole new level of panic-inducing terror.
Let’s cut to the chase: lice are the spawn of the devil.
But fear not, you will survive this ordeal. It will be a massive hassle, but you’ll get through it.
What Happened Next?
So, what happened in the 24 hours following the discovery of those creepy nuisances? After almost gagging at the sight of those little monsters, I sprinted to the nearest drugstore to grab multiple boxes of lice treatment and texted every friend with lice experience, begging for assistance. The swearing was real.
Next, I called up the Lice Removal Center and pleaded for an appointment, envisioning a night filled with an army of lice taking over our home (thanks, overactive imagination). I lathered RID shampoo on my kids’ heads — and mine too — until it felt like we were about to shed skin. I may have snapped at my husband and popped a Xanax while contemplating how much wine we had.
In a frenzy, I tore through the house, throwing out anything that seemed remotely lice-friendly. Stuffed animals? Gone. Throw pillows? Don’t need those, anyway. Soon, my laundry room resembled a disaster zone, stacked high with coats, hats, and backpacks ready for a hot wash.
The Treatment
The next morning, we arrived at the lice treatment center bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to banish these intruders. (Quick tip: If you have access to a lice treatment clinic, do yourself a favor and invest in their services. You won’t regret it.) Two and a half hours later, we emerged lice-free, albeit with sticky hair covered in oil and looking quite fashionable in hair nets.
After what felt like fifteen loads of laundry, I finally let out a huge sigh of relief.
Key Insights
Through the chaos of our lice nightmare, I gleaned some key insights:
- Lice infestations are incredibly common. Honestly, almost everyone I know has dealt with them at some point.
- They are unsightly little creatures that feast on human blood. Yuck. The itching comes from their saliva — even grosser.
- The nits (or eggs) are the real culprits that can make your life miserable; it’s easy to kill the bugs, but those eggs cling on for dear life.
- Nit-picking is torturous; hiring a professional is worth every penny. The team at the lice clinic was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly calm and reassuring. Hats off to you, Lisa and Mark!
Lastly, I promise you’ll make it through this. Expect a panic attack or two, a few glasses of wine, and perhaps some creative complaining to anyone who will listen (including your spouse, who might get an earful about their smugness). And yes, your head will itch for days post-lice discovery. Just saying the word “lice” might send you into an itching frenzy.
But rest assured, you’ll come out the other side.
Further Reading
For more parenting tips, check out our post on fertility boosters for men at Make A Mom or explore resources on treating infertility at ACOG.
Summary
Dealing with a lice infestation is a nightmare for any parent, but it’s a common experience. Despite the chaos and panic that ensues, there are effective solutions, including professional treatment. You will survive this ordeal, armed with newfound knowledge and a few battle scars.
Keyphrase: lice infestation survival
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