Question: I am having a recurring problem with head lice in my house. I have treated all members of the family at least twice and the furniture 3 times. Do you have a furniture and carpet treatment that is better than the one that the pharmacy has sold me?

ANSWER   Controlling these small creatures requires the diligent use of the shampoo material and the small comb that comes with most control ”kits”.  Follow the directions for the length of time the shampoo must remain on the hair and use the comb to remove the eggs from the base of the hair (use it close to the scalp).  The comb is one of the effective control methods, so don”t skip using it.  The comb is there to help in removing the eggs.  The directions on most products indicate that the shampooing will have to be done twice (within about 10 days), and in between the shampooing the comb should be used.

Check back with the pharmacist for additional information. Members of the family may be advised to avoid sharing towels, hats, combs and brushes, pillows, and similar items.   You may also be encouraged to wash beddingin hot water. The lice spend most of the time on a host, so there is little need to apply pesticide to carpets. The pharrmacist may refer you to a doctor if the problem persists.