IN - Mom Charged After Daughter, 4, Nearly Died From Severe Lice Infestation, Scottsburg, Apr 2021

[MimosaMornings]

ummm, I just saw on one of her profiles that she was or is a healthcare worker
older profile from 2020 - she has several
Shyanne Singh

Healthcare?!?
If the infestation was that bad - wouldn’t she have them too and then spread it at work?
Just horrible.

 

[JudgeJoe]

Wait a minute - this is a recent case, right? Wasn’t there a very similar case maybe 1-3 years ago?!

No lice here, yet. I’ve heard that lice are becoming resistant to the OTC topical products, though. There are franchises in some areas that will comb/physically remove them.

Even if the mother didn’t notice the lice, she surely should have noticed how weak her child becoming, right?!

You are absolutely correct. Lice are very resistant to OTC products like Riddex. School nurse at my kids’ school instructs people to not even bother with purchase- waste of money. Instead she instructs getting a shower cap, to keep the hair wet & soaking the hair in white vinegar 30 mins 3x a day. Kills the lice- but not the nits. She advises to follow up with undiluted pure tea tree oil combed into the hair directly & added to shampoo. I can say this was HIGHLY EFFECTIVE when my daughter got lice in 3rd grade.

Which makes me wonder… what was this mom’s economic situation? I spent $55 on pure tea tree oil & shower cap 15 years ago. Plus all the massive laundry to eradicate. If you’re already struggling to put food on the table or gas in the car, and you go to laundromat, lice can really become a financial hardship & I doubt one can find tea tree oil, gallon jugs of vinegar or shower caps at the local food bank. Mo

 

[Shamrock1]

You are absolutely correct. Lice are very resistant to OTC products like Riddex. School nurse at my kids’ school instructs people to not even bother with purchase- waste of money. Instead she instructs getting a shower cap, to keep the hair wet & soaking the hair in white vinegar 30 mins 3x a day. Kills the lice- but not the nits. She advises to follow up with undiluted pure tea tree oil combed into the hair directly & added to shampoo. I can say this was HIGHLY EFFECTIVE when my daughter got lice in 3rd grade.

Which makes me wonder… what was this mom’s economic situation? I spent $55 on pure tea tree oil & shower cap 15 years ago. Plus all the massive laundry to eradicate. If you’re already struggling to put food on the table or gas in the car, and you go to laundromat, lice can really become a financial hardship & I doubt one can find tea tree oil, gallon jugs of vinegar or shower caps at the local food bank. Mo

Thanks for that angle. The hourly rate for physical removal is around $100 - prob varies by location. My niece needed two or three hours each time she got lice. I doubt insurance covers any of this.

 

[Laughing]

There is probably an agency in your area that will hand over the shampoo & comb.

Someone still has to use them, of course, and do the laundry & vacuuming &....

Mayonnaise under a shower cap may be effective. Apparently the lice, and nits, can 'hold their breath' for about 7 hours. So, if you can arrange to suffocate them for about 8 hours -- then remove every trace -- you can win the battle.

Blow dryer on High can dry out the nits & kill them, you still have to remove them.

Old person here, invested a lot of years in schools.

Bottom line, these children deserve better, likely their Mom does as well!

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[Gibbo214]

There is probably an agency in your area that will hand over the shampoo & comb.

Someone still has to use them, of course, and do the laundry & vacuuming &....

Mayonnaise under a shower cap may be effective. Apparently the lice, and nits, can 'hold their breath' for about 7 hours. So, if you can arrange to suffocate them for about 8 hours -- then remove every trace -- you can win the battle.

Blow dryer on High can dry out the nits & kill them, you still have to remove them.

Old person here, invested a lot of years in schools.

Bottom line, these children deserve better, likely their Mom does as well!

jmho ymmv lrr

Vaseline with a shower cap on will too, but mayonnaise is probably cheaper. Washing of bed linen is not enough. It should be ironed with pressure and a very hot iron.

 

[MimosaMornings]

The dollar store has shower caps and vinegar. A gallon of white vinegar (Great Value brand) from Walmart is under $2.00
We used tea tree oil shampoo, around $10.

My cousin got a free shower cap, comb and gallon of vinegar free from the county health department.

Deliberately kept the children at home.
In a fog. No attempts at treatment?

Lack of action not funds.
JMO

 

[borndem]

I remember typing this sentiment years ago on Erica Parson's thread!

Found Deceased - NC - Erica Lynn Parsons, 13, Rowan County, 19 Nov 2011 - #2

Takes a village, at least now the village can help these two children and their Mom & Grandma.

Oh, Laughing, so do I. That poor tortured child. I don't think little Erica Lynn had a happy day in her life. One day being tortured, and the next day getting over it, and hoping it was the last day of pain and fear. But that day never came.
But now she is far, far away from that pain that will never happen to her again because she flies with the angels.

 

[Filly]

You are absolutely correct. Lice are very resistant to OTC products like Riddex. School nurse at my kids’ school instructs people to not even bother with purchase- waste of money. Instead she instructs getting a shower cap, to keep the hair wet & soaking the hair in white vinegar 30 mins 3x a day. Kills the lice- but not the nits. She advises to follow up with undiluted pure tea tree oil combed into the hair directly & added to shampoo. I can say this was HIGHLY EFFECTIVE when my daughter got lice in 3rd grade.

Which makes me wonder… what was this mom’s economic situation? I spent $55 on pure tea tree oil & shower cap 15 years ago. Plus all the massive laundry to eradicate. If you’re already struggling to put food on the table or gas in the car, and you go to laundromat, lice can really become a financial hardship & I doubt one can find tea tree oil, gallon jugs of vinegar or shower caps at the local food bank. Mo

Excellent post, and I'm ashamed I did not take into consideration the cost let alone being a single mom doing all that exhausting work.

Admittedly I used the Doctor's script I think Lindane? Only after consulting a friend who ran a health food/remedy store. Hard-core vegan who said her daughter got them at camp. It was so bad she used the Doc script.

Straight tree oil went on my daughters head daily after days pulling through hair with that old fashioned silver comb. Stuffed animals, linens, the whole drill. Frustrating and exhausting. BUT I had help. Mom, grandmom for all of that. Not to mention two generations who knew what to look for. I had no idea what a nit looked like.

My heart hearts for those little girls, but as @ChatteringBirds said maybe mom was overwhelmed or depressed or both.

 

[JudgeJoe]

Excellent post, and I'm ashamed I did not take into consideration the cost let alone being a single mom doing all that exhausting work.

Admittedly I used the Doctor's script I think Lindane? Only after consulting a friend who ran a health food/remedy store. Hard-core vegan who said her daughter got them at camp. It was so bad she used the Doc script.

Straight tree oil went on my daughters head daily after days pulling through hair with that old fashioned silver comb. Stuffed animals, linens, the whole drill. Frustrating and exhausting. BUT I had help. Mom, grandmom for all of that. Not to mention two generations who knew what to look for. I had no idea what a nit looked like.

My heart hearts for those little girls, but as @ChatteringBirds said maybe mom was overwhelmed or depressed or both.

It seems like this mom had issues serious enough to lose custody prior to this, so why’d she get them back? And where was the follow-up? Someone somewhere has accountability for that.

When my daughter had lice, there was a superstrain epidemic in FL. It was everywhere- public schools, girl scouts, ballet studios, ice rinks, birthday parties, bounce houses. Like you, I never had it as a kid, so I met with the school nurse for HELP. I had heard nightmare tales from clean, normal people who could NOT get rid of them. So I followed her instructions to the T & we were free in 3 days, with ongoing precautions for 30. I learned lice prefer squeaky clean, silky loose hair & fruity scented shampoos. Pony tails, hairspray & tea tree oil is an inhospitable environment. So that’s some of what we did.

We owned our home with laundry room & resources to deal with the problem. But washing ALL bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, backpacks, clothing, towels- repeatedly for days on end at a laundromat? You’d be talking $500 or more. And if you have no car- yarding that by basket or bus? No health department helps with that.

It is horrible what this kid endured & I’m undecided with the info we have if mom should face charges. But where was EVERYONE else when this kid/mom needed help? Mo

ETA: superstrains of lice are real & it takes money, savvy & stamina to conquer. Public health issue!
Super-strains of lice spread to 25 states: Are they in yours?

New 'Super Lice' Strain Is Resistant To Antibiotics

Super-Strains of Lice - Treatment-Resistant Lice Discovered in 25 States

 

[Laughing]

Sometimes it's worth it to buy flea shampoo in the pet aisle -- and use that in your carpet shampooer!

Yup.

ymmv lrr lrr lrr and get every nit!

 

[mickey2942]

Getting rid of lice in a household, can take a lot of physical energy and strength. It is hard physical labor. Everything needs to be washed, sanitized, vacuumed, cleaned. And not just once. It is ongoing.

I felt like a nonstop, perpetual motion machine for two weeks, on top of what working Moms are normally doing. Did I forget to mention combing out children's hair every night for four hours? And your own hair.

Not giving this Mom a pass...but getting rid of lice in an infested house is a huge job. And if you don't get rid of them, they will climb right back on...the hair is only part of the job.

 

[Shamrock1]

Getting rid of lice in a household, can take a lot of physical energy and strength. It is hard physical labor. Everything needs to be washed, sanitized, vacuumed, cleaned. And not just once. It is ongoing.

I felt like a nonstop, perpetual motion machine for two weeks, on top of what working Moms are normally doing. Did I forget to mention combing out children's hair every night for four hours? And your own hair.

Not giving this Mom a pass...but getting rid of lice in an infested house is a huge job. And if you don't get rid of them, they will climb right back on...the hair is only part of the job.

Just adding to this great post. Never had them here (yet!) but nieces had them more than once. You're so right: it is EVERYTHING. The stuffed animals, soft toys, blankets, sheets, towels, clothing, luggage, backpacks, pet bedding/toys - everything. Everything! It isn't the same as 20-30 years ago! These buggers are resistant to what our parents used!

 

[mickey2942]

Just adding to this great post. Never had them here (yet!) but nieces had them more than once. You're so right: it is EVERYTHING. The stuffed animals, soft toys, blankets, sheets, towels, clothing, luggage, backpacks, pet bedding/toys - everything. Everything! It isn't the same as 20-30 years ago! These buggers are resistant to what our parents used!

The problem we had was that our kids went back and forth, we had a blended household, so, three households had to do the same thing. Including all of the cars the kids were in, so that meant four sets of grandparents. It was pretty crazy.

Never again.

 

[Shamrock1]

The problem we had was that our kids went back and forth, we had a blended household, so, three households had to do the same thing. Including all of the cars the kids were in, so that meant four sets of grandparents. It was pretty crazy.

Never again.

I forgot car seats & cars in general. My nieces lived with us for a period (not the lice period). Yup, now I remember more. Cars. Swim gear. Cushions, cushions on outdoor wicker furniture. And NOT just once. My dear, sweet in-laws didn’t understand how much had changed: this isn’t the germaphobe’s guide!

 

[Filly]

Let us not forget after all the effort. Things are cool. Little Freddie or little Susie Q has on or two left on a coat collar or backpack.

Ya got a cubby or collective coat room. Indeed these SOB's take a hitch.

It is endless. Uptrend someone mentioned what they like and dislike? My Gram told me they like a clean head. We're talking 30's when ya got treated with some sort of coal homemade shampoo.

This chica has hurt her children and made us all itch.

 

[katydid23]

So this thread brought back horrid memories of my daughter's kinder experience.......

After we spent a few weeks, combing, killing , washing and rewashing hair, throwing out stuffed animals, and some of the linens, and washing everything in super hot water and borax, and vacuuming everywhere and steam cleaning bedroom carpets and hosing down patio with bleach....and washing interior of both cars, etc etc....finally, we felt it was under control.

I go pick up the kids and my son walks up to the car, looks at his 5 yr old sister and says 'that's the sweatshirt you wore today?' She nods yes....

He says 'Why did I see you at lunch wearing a pink hoodie?'

"Oh yeah, thAt waS Kaylie's, we traDed for fUn...



Sure enough, I look at the back of her head and see a critter running around on her scalp......NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.......

We had to run and find Kaylie, to warn Mom, .....and then run to nurses office and get that skinny comb and clear her head and then change her clothing immediately, bag the dirty ones, switch into a change I had in the car for dance class....I was in a panic...lmao

 

[Filly]

I forgot car seats & cars in general. My nieces lived with us for a period (not the lice period). Yup, now I remember more. Cars. Swim gear. Cushions, cushions on outdoor wicker furniture. And NOT just once. My dear, sweet in-laws didn’t understand how much had changed: this isn’t the germaphobe’s guide!

You're an awesome aunt, Sham.

My nephew basically lived with my parents. I lived around the corner with DD. Somewhere there's still video of him discussing what his six year old self wanted for Christmas. This was after Thanksgiving. Go back a few weeks when Halloween he borrowed a costume from some cousin.

Meantime I have miracle fertility Miss in video as he kisses her and tells she would like Jem? She's four months. Italian with full head of hair.

Again not funny but ya gotta laugh. His head is on my lap as we all fall asleep watching a film. I never saw a cootie. I see a considerably large bug weave through his hair.

Promptly scream waking everybody up.
Mama Filly carries him into bathroom. Three pair Dollar store glasses go on her head. Tells my dad to get up. Go to 24 hour *** for supplies.

I'm grabbing my baby with lots of hair. Calling my husband to immediately get his a** to pick us up. Warn Granny of the year despite it being 1am she can't put chemicals on nephews head without consulting parents.

SIL adamant her six nieces had them, but she checked the boys. Albeit she is in Nursing school and knows "stuff".

Can't make it up. Got my hubby PO'd. My Ma ready to deck an almost RN. My poor dad with another nail in his coffin.

The big heave ho is my sweet nephew still half asleep on toilet lid with Ma Filly doing her cootie thing. As I'm screaming to half the free world "OMG he is infested my infant will have bugs!"

Our fave boy that little says "Mom Mom I'm buggy and I bugged the baby". Needless to say I was told to shut the *ell up. GO HOME with my lil family and call Pediatrician in morning. Can't make it up. Neohew now 35 only recalls Mom Mom helping him and his Auntie freaking out.

 

[Filly]

So this thread brought back horrid memories of my daughter's kinder experience.......

After we spent a few weeks, combing, killing , washing and rewashing hair, throwing out stuffed animals, and some of the linens, and washing everything in super hot water and borax, and vacuuming everywhere and steam cleaning bedroom carpets and hosing down patio with bleach....and washing interior of both cars, etc etc....finally, we felt it was under control.

I go pick up the kids and my son walks up to the car, looks at his 5 yr old sister and says 'that's the sweatshirt you wore today?' She nods yes....

He says 'Why did I see you at lunch wearing a pink hoodie?'

"Oh yeah, thAt waS Kaylie's, we traDed for fUn...



Sure enough, I look at the back of her head and see a critter running around on her scalp......NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.......

We had to run and find Kaylie, to warn Mom, .....and then run to nurses office and get that skinny comb and clear her head and then change her clothing immediately, bag the dirty ones, switch into a change I had in the car for dance class....I was in a panic...lmao

Nooooooooooo!!!! I am so sorry but ya got me laughing so hard. That's horrible. The worse.

Thank goodness your son caught on to the sweatshirt.

So sorry for laughing but I recall panic mode.

 

[mickey2942]

So this thread brought back horrid memories of my daughter's kinder experience.......

After we spent a few weeks, combing, killing , washing and rewashing hair, throwing out stuffed animals, and some of the linens, and washing everything in super hot water and borax, and vacuuming everywhere and steam cleaning bedroom carpets and hosing down patio with bleach....and washing interior of both cars, etc etc....finally, we felt it was under control.

I go pick up the kids and my son walks up to the car, looks at his 5 yr old sister and says 'that's the sweatshirt you wore today?' She nods yes....

He says 'Why did I see you at lunch wearing a pink hoodie?'

"Oh yeah, thAt waS Kaylie's, we traDed for fUn...



Sure enough, I look at the back of her head and see a critter running around on her scalp......NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.......

We had to run and find Kaylie, to warn Mom, .....and then run to nurses office and get that skinny comb and clear her head and then change her clothing immediately, bag the dirty ones, switch into a change I had in the car for dance class....I was in a panic...lmao

My daughter was five, during the great "Liceathon". I was checking the kids heads every single night, having them lay on the sofa with their head in my lap, while I checked their hair. She was so cute, "Mama, will you check my head?" She did that for years.

She just liked me running my fingers in her hair, combing her hair, massaging her neck and head with "Tea Tree Oil", talking softly about whatever she wanted, 100% attention from Mom, just for her.

 

[CptCari]

Thanks for that angle. The hourly rate for physical removal is around $100 - prob varies by location. My niece needed two or three hours each time she got lice. I doubt insurance covers any of this.

Insurance does NOT cover it but when my daughters had lice...Omgoodness...we treated then with prescription stuff, over-the-counter stuff, blow dried and knit picked their hair FOREVER... and those little effers came back. We finally did the $100/hr salon treatment and it cost about $450 for both girls and it was guaranteed as long as you had all the family members inspected.
So gross.
That poor little girl. Her mother must have some serious mental issues.