‘Super lice’ are becoming more resistant to chemical shampoos. What to use instead
Global News
These so-called super lice, fortified with increased resistance to traditional treatments, are proving a challenge for those seeking to rid themselves of the persistent pests.
Creepy crawly head lice are troublesome enough, but a highly resistant strain spreading across Canada is adding to the headache.
These so-called super lice, fortified with increased resistance to traditional treatments, are proving a challenge for those seeking to rid themselves of the persistent pests, health experts warn.
The genetic mutations in super lice have rendered them resistant to numerous over-the-counter and prescription medicated shampoos containing chemicals like pyrethrins and permethrin. This resistance, which has been growing for decades, has spurred new methods of controlling lice.
“Head lice are becoming resistant to the commonly used chemicals that have been around forever that have been used to eradicate them,” said Sherry Torkos, an Ontario-based pharmacist and health author. “Just like how bacteria have become resistant to some antibiotics, the same thing is happening with head lice: they have developed a genetic mutation.”
Head lice are parasitic six-legged insects that live on the human scalp, feed on blood and lay eggs. They are not associated with disease spread or poor hygiene but are more of a nuisance and can be difficult to treat, according to the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS).
Infestations are common among school-aged children and can spread easily through close contact, sharing personal items like combs or hats, or contact with infested furniture or bedding.
Infested children usually carry less than 20 mature head lice at a time, which live three to four weeks if left untreated, CPS stated on its website. They live close to the scalp surface as it provides food, warmth, shelter and moisture, which is what causes the itching and irritation.
“They also don’t care whether your scalp or your hair is oily or freshly washed,” Torkos said.
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