Potentially Deadly Head Lice Treatment Learn more about our professional treatment process and how we eliminate lice in a single visit.
A young girl was left fighting for her life with severe facial and head burns after a head lice treatment burst into flames in her hair.
Jodie O’Donoghue, now 10, is still having treatment following the incident back in 2007. She had the Prioderm product in her hair after her parents treated her and her 12-year-old sister Jasmine for a head lice outbreak. As she blew out a candle at the family home in Tipperary, Ireland, the lotion ignited, setting her hair, cheeks and ears alight. Check out our related article on FSA and HSA for Lice Treatment: Yes, You Can Use Them for more information.
The flames spread from Jodie’s forehead to her hair, cheeks and ears – leaving her with terrible injuries.
The manufacturers of Prioderm, Reckitt Benckiser, has stated that “at the time of the incident, which we understand was in 2007, Prioderm was part of the Seton/SSL portfolio which was later acquired by Reckitt Benckiser in November 2010. There are no safety issues with the product when used in accordance with the instructions”. However, the main ingredient in Prioderm is malathion which is highly flammable. Products containing malathion include this warning, “This medication contains an ingredient that could easily catch fire (flammable). Avoid smoking, being around open flames (e.g., fireplaces, stoves, campfires), or electric heat sources such as heaters, hair dryers, and curlers/hair irons while using malathion”.
Malathion is an organophosphate which is the are the basis of many insecticides, herbicides and nerve gases. The EPA lists organophosphates as very highly acutely toxic to bees, wildlife, and humans. Malathion is the main ingredient of several head lice treatments including Ovide which is available by prescription to treat head lice.
If you or your family are battling head lice contact Lice Lifters Cranford for information about our safe, non-toxic, pesticide-free, head lice treatment! If you’re ready to take action, book your appointment at Lice Lifters of Union County today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does professional lice treatment take?
A professional lice treatment session typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. Our trained technicians use a thorough comb-out process combined with our proprietary all-natural solution. Most families are lice-free after a single visit.
Q: Is professional lice treatment safe for young children?
Yes, professional lice treatment is safe for children of all ages. Our treatment uses non-toxic, pesticide-free products that are gentle on the scalp. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding harsh chemical treatments, especially for young children.
Q: Do I need to treat the whole family if one person has lice?
We recommend having every family member screened if one person is diagnosed with head lice. Lice spread through direct head-to-head contact, and it is common for multiple family members to be affected. Early detection helps prevent reinfestation.
Q: How soon can my child return to school after treatment?
Your child can return to school immediately after professional treatment. The AAP and CDC both advise against no-nit policies, stating that children should not miss school due to head lice. Once treated, the risk of spreading lice is minimal.
Q: What should I do at home after professional treatment?
After treatment, we recommend washing bedding and recently worn clothing in hot water and drying on high heat. Vacuum upholstered furniture and car seats. Follow any take-home instructions provided by your technician to ensure the best results during the 30-day guarantee period.
We proudly serve families in Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, and Springfield and surrounding areas. Contact us today for professional lice treatment services.
