Tips for Dealing with Mutant Lice

A few things to know about how lice are transmitted, and how to prevent and treat “super lice.”

It sounds like something from a bad horror movie, but it seems that some lice are developing resistance to insecticides in lice-ridding hair products. Here are a few things to know about how lice are transmitted, and how to prevent and treat “super lice.”

1 | Lice are more attracted to clean hair than dirty hair. So it is a myth to equate getting lice with bad hygiene.

2 | Lice jump from head to head, so kids who take “selfies” together and touch heads may want to think again about striking a head-to-head pose. Remind children to not share hats or hoodies, combs, brushes or earbuds.

3 | Lice do not always make your head itch. If it's going around in your child's class or other setting, do an occasional head check. Lice look like  sandy-colored sesame seeds. Also be diligent to comb and brush hair everyday.

4 | Combing out lice can be the most effective way to get rid of lice. It may take awhile, but it’s usually what it takes to get all nits off hair shafts and mature lice out. Essential oils also have been shown effective in treating for lice.