Head Lice Removal: A Brief History

“Lice,” this one word is enough to cause of itchiness all over our head. These microscopic insects roam around in our hair follicles like a stowaway on a ship, lay their eggs, suck our blood, and give us the most creepy and itchy feeling. Lice are so old that they’ve been found on Egyptian mummies in their tombs.

Several lice removal options exist, but none of these could stop lice from spreading and multiplying. If these “lousy” insects have already attacked you, you will surely understand our concern.

Lice across the ages

The history of head lice and lice treatment dates back to 1550 BC when Egyptians, in their medical guide called “Ebers Papyrus” documented the first lice removal method. This guide recommended sloshing warm date-meal and water in the mouth and then spitting it on your face to drive away lice and fleas. Since then, people of all eras struggled to rid themselves of with these blood-suckers.

Around 1200 B.C, some Chinese documents indicated the use of mercury and arsenic compounds, and by 450 B.C., Egyptians started endorsing shaving all the hair from the body to eradicate lice. These efforts didn’t reap any positive results until about 100 A.D. when the Chinese discovered an effective and natural insecticide. Extracted from chrysanthemums called as Pyrethrum powder, this powder was considered a near-magical compound by Marco Polo, and he brought it to Europe in 1300 A.D.

Cut to centuries later. In the 1940s, a more refined extract of this powder was developed known as Pytheris, which showed positive results at killing head lice. But, this powder was not adequate for killing the eggs of insects, known as nits. Later in 1977, Permethrin, a synthetic version of earlier Pyrethrin was introduced as a consumer product to treat head lice.

How far has head lice removal come?

All the evidence concludes that almost all lice have become super-lice due to their resistance to different chemical pesticides. Thus, making them even harder to eradicate.

However, specific effective methods can be adapted to control them. The National Institute of Health recommends buying a fine-toothed metal comb and combing thoroughly until all lice and nits are removed. Your doctor may also suggest a medicated shampoo, a lotion, or an OTC drug to kill the lice. For highly super-lice,  your doctor may prescribe oral medication. Children under four years old can not use it. Neither can pregnant women or anyone with a compromised immune system. However, there is no instant cure, and even prescription treatments may not solve the problem.

A device called the AirAllé, developed in 2006. It uses controlled heated air to dehydrate head lice and eggs, but even a lice clinic that uses the invention rely on manual combing to solve the problem for good.

Lice are evolutionary survivors and are here to stay with us until science finds something to destroy them for good.

Services Offered:

Lice Charmers has head Lice Removal options for families in need. Lice Charmers does Lice Treatment that is fast efficient and guaranteed. Lice Charmers is a Lice Clinic for professional treatment of lice, super lice, and nits in a single appointment.

Lice Charmers - Lice Treatment Portland OregonExcellentLice Charmers - Lice Treatment Portland Oregon5.0 Based on 248 reviews fromSee all reviewsAudra AAudra A ★★★★★ We went to Lex after I found what I thought was lice on my child. I was so stressed because we had never experienced this before. Lex was able to get our whole family in right away. Lex was AMAZING. She was so knowledgeable, kind and calmed my nerves. Three people in our home ended up having lice and we left clean. Lex even has experience with treating people with handtied extensions. If you unfortunately have to experience these bugs, you must go see Lex!JGJG ★★★★★ Lice Charmers were great. They got us in last minute to do a quick inspection in our child’s hair. Would highly recommend this company.Ashley ReyesAshley Reyes ★★★★★ Lex was so amazing I highly recommend my daughter loved her because she was so sweetJulie GoodmanJulie Goodman ★★★★★ Lice Charmers got me in last minute and took great care of my whole family! The staff is sweet and helpful and made my kids feel comfortable.Claire AbuanClaire Abuan ★★★★★ Sydney was so fantastic! She checked myself, my 6 year old and my 3 year old and it was so easy and worth the peace of mind!Julie KerbyJulie Kerby ★★★★★ My first grader came home from school with lice. I was able to treat him and check my other kids but I had no one to check my hair so I made an appointment with lice charmers! Lex did a great job and was very knowledgeable. She shared some very helpful information and had me in and out in half an hour. Totally worth it for my peace of mind!Sarah IsraelsenSarah Israelsen ★★★★★ Lex was fun to talk to, made me feel very comfortable and did a great job checking my hair. Would definitely recommend.Mary Rae MollerMary Rae Moller ★★★★★ Melanie was very professional and was extremely efficient. We did home care first and went to get checked to ensure we got it all. She was very friendly and made the whole experience pleasant. We would highly recommend this service and Melanie!David PetersonDavid Peterson ★★★★★ Quick service and helpful staffNicole ThomasNicole Thomas ★★★★★ Well worth the price for a peace of my mind! They were efficient and very informative.Amber KentAmber Kent ★★★★★ We had such a great experience. We were a big job with 5 kids and one parent but Melanie was amazing and had exceptional customer service. She answered all our questions patiently and worked fast and efficiently. She was super knowledgeable and helped put my mind at ease.Jenny ChapinJenny Chapin ★★★★★ She was wonderful. Very detailed and thorough job. Would definitely reccommend!James S (godofidea)James S (godofidea) ★★★★★ Melanie was kind, friendly, and efficient! I was able to get a same day appointment locally for a fair rate, and even with my thick hair she was able to do a lice check in just 30min (thankfully no treatment needed, I just needed confirmation that I was lice free before a trip). If I ever need lice care again, I know I'll be reaching out!James S (godofidea)James S (godofidea) ★★★★★ Melanie was kind, friendly, and efficient! I was able to get a same day appointment locally for a fair rate, and even with my thick hair she was able to do a lice check in just 30min (thankfully no treatment needed, I just needed confirmation that I was lice free before a trip). If I ever need lice care again, I know I'll be reaching out!Alicia ReeseAlicia Reese ★★★★★ Thorough and very informative. I hope we never need it again, but we’ll be back if we’re faced with this again. She’s excellent in every way. Highly recommend if you find your family in this cruddy situation.js_loader

In-Home Lice Removal

One appointment and you’re lice free!

No devices, chemicals, products, or aftercare required.

Make An Appointment

Effective, private, and affordable treatment in the comfort of home.