Super Lice Worrying Parents; Over-the-Counter Treatments Not Cutting It

The word lice sends parents, teachers, and school nurses into a frenzy. I remember being treated for lice as a third grader, my mother shampooing my hair and combing through looking for nits. The minute my own daughter started nursery school, I dreaded the thought that she'd walk into the house one day with a head full of lice. These relatively common classroom parasites, spread from head to head contact facilitated by shared bedding, hair supplies, hats, and close contact, are now becoming immune to present day treatments. Parents of little ones beware--super lice may be crawling into your home this school year.

CBS News is reporting today that health officials have issued a warning about super lice, everyday lice that aren't being killed by the normal treatment methods. Just like the Super Flu, a strain of the flu resistant to common treatment options, super lice appear to have evolved and changed in order to survive. Regularly treated by over-the-counter drugs and shampoos, parents are now taking their children to pediatricians or trying home remedies, seeking better answers to the lice problem.

Growing concern about super lice leaves parents wondering what they can do to protect their homes and their heads from lice infestations. Over the counter treatments are still the first line of defense. In fact, there are some products on the market today claiming to help prevent lice in the first place. If prevention fails and over the counter lice treatments aren't effective, make an appointment with the doctor or pediatrician to get further guidance.

Thankfully, NBC news reports that there are "several promising products awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration in coming months." But until these products are thoroughly tested and on the market, parents are still stuck with today's traditional treatment methods. With lice getting smarter and super lice taking hold, it's unclear how much longer these options will cut it. Home remedies may prove to be a necessary step if all else fails. According to GrannyMed, the options run the gamut from mayonnaise to fish oil.

In the meantime, parents should continue to be vigilant about super lice. At the first sign of lice, clean all bedding and begin over-the-counter treatments. With any luck, the super lice won't hang around your home. If they do, just be sure not to send them to mine.

Resources:
CBS; Super Lice Causing Concern Among Parents; http://www.cbs59.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=43803
NBC; Super Lice Leaves Parents Scratching Their Heads; http://www.nbc6.net/msnbchealth/17439473/detail.html
GrannyMed; Home Remedies for Lice; http://www.grannymed.com/meds/lice.aspx