"I can honestly say it was one of the worst experiences we've ever had," said Robin, the mother of three school-aged children, referring to their bout with head lice. Robin, who wishes to be identified by first name only, says that the stigma attached to lice isn't nearly as painful as the eradication process. "We found out the hard way that lice can linger for weeks. I had treated one of my kids and thought we were lice-free, and then a week later my other daughter was sent home with it. Then, two weeks later my son had them." Robin says she tried all the conventional and nonconventional approaches to rid her household of the unwanted guests. It wasn't until someone suggested a nit-picker that she finally had success.

Gina Porter (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

A nit-picker provides chemical-free, in-home treatment for the removal of the nits, the egg sacks of lice. The Centers for Disease Control recommends lice medicines as well as a nit-combing or hand removal. They say that combing with a nit comb or picking to remove nits and lice every two to three days may decrease the chance of reinfestation.

Harvard resident Regina Porter has been providing this unique service to families for the last five years. "I provide a second set of eyes for families. I started doing nit-picking for families who felt as if they had run into a brick wall with the whole process. Families, especially the mothers, usually exhaust themselves when they discover there is a nit or lice problem in their home. They go through all the stashing of plush animals, washing of bedding, jackets, and clothing. They use chemical treatments and nit combing, yet sometimes they still haven't done, or don't feel they've done, enough, and that is where I come in to try to provide some tips and help."

Most of Porter's clients are elementary-school aged. They are usually diagnosed by the school nurse and advised to seek treatment. According to the National Association of School Nurses, approximately 6 to 12 million children between 3 and 12 years of age are infested with head lice every year. Head lice can survive on a human host for approximately 30 days. A female louse lays three to five eggs a day. The eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days and it takes another 7 to 10 days for the louse to mature and lay its own eggs. Generally, since they require blood for nourishment, they cannot survive longer than 24 hours off a host.

Usually, the first sign of pediculosis—lice infestation—is itching of the head. This is due to an allergic skin reaction to the saliva of the lice. Upon closer examination, seed-sized parasites or white egg sacks, nits, will be found throughout the hair. Elementary-school-aged children are more likely to get lice. And girls have a higher incidence because of their hair length. Lice do not jump from head to head. They are transmitted through head-to-head contact or through the sharing of hats, helmets, bedding, and personal grooming tools. Harvard School District nurse Colleen Nigzus believes that many cases of lice can be prevented through better communication. "It is definitely a topic no one likes to talk about," she says. "We have had a few cases lately, but nothing significant. There isn't a 'lice season,' but we do see an increase early in the school year when kids return from summer camp and then again at baseball season, because of helmet sharing. I recommend kids use their own helmet and if they go to a sleepover to bring their own pillow. Also, girls with long hair should wear braids or a ponytail just to be cautious."

Harvard schools do not have a "no nit policy." If a child presents at school with pediculosis, the parents are notified and they are asked to treat the problem. The child is rechecked when he or she returns to school. As a precaution, the schools send home a notice with students saying that head lice was found on a classmate (who remains anonymous).

Both Nigzus and Hildreth Elementary School nurse Sue Veno feel that communication with the school and following their advice is the best way to eliminate the problem. Veno emphasizes, "If the infestation is not treated correctly it will continue its course."

HES periodically posts reminders for parents to check their children for lice, and both Nigzus and Veno are available for consultation on the subject.

Nit-picker Porter supports the efforts of the nursing staff and stresses the importance of open communication with the school. "So many people are embarrassed to talk about it. People need to know that a lice infestation does not come from poor hygiene. They need to speak with both the school nurse and any persons that their household has had close contact with—like sleepovers or play dates. The more an outbreak is kept a secret, the more the infestation has a chance to continue. Preventing lice can be tricky. But, if your family runs into this problem, it is important to remember that it is manageable and there are people—like me—who are willing to help out. I have the experience, knowledge, and patience to get the job done."

Regina Porter can be contacted at 978-772-1121 or ggbaker66@yahoo.com.