Super Strain of Lice Causes Panic

Back to school means friends, new classes, sports, and often a word no parent wants to hear—lice.

In a recent study released by Southern Illinois University, lice populations in at least 25 states have developed resistance to over-the-counter treatments still widely recommended by doctors and schools. Tennessee is included in that list.

“We are the first group to collect lice samples from a large number of populations across the U.S.,” says Kyong Yoon, Ph.D. “What we found was that 104 out of the 109 lice populations we tested had high levels of gene mutations, which have been linked to resistance to pyrethroids.”

Pyrethroids are a family of insecticides used widely indoors and outdoors to control mosquitoes and other insects. It includes permethrin, the active ingredient in some of the most common lice treatments sold at drug stores.

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) stated that lice is a nuisance, not a serious disease or a sign of poor hygiene.

AAP went on to say that,”Most cases of head lice are acquired outside of school.  The AAP continues to recommend that a healthy child should not be restricted from attending school because of head lice or nits (eggs). Pediatricians are encouraged to educate schools and communities that no-nit policies are unjust and should be abandoned. Children can finish the school day, be treated, and return to school.”

The Lice Place in Cool Springs sat down with us to give these four ways to prevent lice.

1. Don’t wait for the letter to come home from school-check your child weekly for head lice.

2. Long hair should be worn back either in a braid, ponytail or a bun.

3. Spray hair daily with Mint Spray found at The Lice Place. Or any type of mint spray you may own. Lice are repelled by the scent of mint.

4. Discourage the sharing of personal items such as brushes.

Registered Nurse, Deanna Dickerson, Owner of The Lice Place says, it is most important to remove the nits. “Many at home treatment fails because they are trying to kill the lice. It is really about removing the nits which is what we do. We have met many families who walk in our doors distraught and then leave very happy. Remember lice is very treatable and there is no cause for panic.”

The Lice Place is located at 8115 Isabella Lane,Brentwood. Check out their Facebook post video.

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