What are the HIDDEN COSTS of having lice?

Did you know that the average person suffers with head lice for 3-6 months?
During that time they will try an average of 5-7 treatments and spend countless dollars and hours trying to get rid of their infestation. Doctor’s visits, multiple toxic, pesticide treatments, gadgets, combs, beauty salon lice products, internet lice products, homemade remedies, items tossed unnecessarily, more doctor visits and finally prescription strength pesticide treatments. All with no success. And this isn’t just kids, adults deal with lice horror stories also 

One woman, a Toronto mother of two, shared her lice nightmare on Metro Morning. 
“It was about two and a half years ago that lice visited our house. I had had a really, really itchy neck and eyebrows for more than a month.”

​She visited her doctor and was referred to a dermatologist, who talked to her about her laundry detergent and a number of possible environmental factors to explain her itchy skin. It was recommended she switch to natural hair-care products. Lice was never considered as a possible source of the problem. You can listen to audio of her story here. 

​This is all too common an experience, with weeks and sometimes months passing with misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis, spending money on medications, mission work and time with loved ones. Not to mention the countless loads of laundry, cleaning and the stress! Lice can bring even the strongest person to their knees because it can be seemingly impossible to get rid of.

Following is the real cost of head lice based on market research:
*Doctor Visits for diagnosis and guidance: $250.00
*Rid Complete Kit: $47.98
*Nix Family Kit: $21.99
*Internet Lice Products, Homemade Remedies, Gadgets, Prevention Products: $150.00
*Prescription Lice Treatments: $265.98
*Replacement hair brushes, combs, hair accessories: $100.00
*Missed Work (3 days missed work on average Based on $50,000 salary): $450.00
*Missed School (Private) (3 days missed school on average based on $10,000 Tuition): $167.00
*Missed after-school activities: $100.00
*Additional Water and Electricity charges due to Extra Laundry and cleaning: $200.00
Total costs: $1,752.95

Immeasurable Costs

• Countless Hours of Combing; Countless Hours of Cleaning; Missed Birthday Parties; Missed extracurricular activities: Lack of Sleep, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Stress on Family; Stress on Marriage; Stress on Friendships; Long Term effects of Toxic Lice Treatment

FACT: Head lice are now resistant to the dangerous pesticides often used to treat them. 
Harvard School of Public Health states that, “Head lice in the United States are resistant to permethrin and lindane [toxic lice products now banned in California], and higher doses of this insecticide generally are not more effective”.

FACT: The dangerous pesticides often used to treat lice have SERIOUS side-effects for humans! 
According to National Pediculosis Association (NPA), “Seizures, behavioral changes, Attention Deficit Disorders, cancer, skin diseases, and even death have been reported to the National Pediculosis Association’s registry by people who have used chemical treatments [such as RID and NIX] to get rid of head lice or scabies… the NPA advises parents to discontinue the use of head lice pesticides…MANUAL REMOVAL IS THE BEST OPTION”. 

Did You Know?

• If you receive treatment from a licensed and certified head lice removal professional, your Treatment is most likely covered by your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you participated in your company plan.
• Your treatment may also be covered by Insurance. You will need to call your provider to determine coverage.