Sort Through Head Lice Treatments…

Parents will scratch their heads about how to manage head lice…due to a multitude of products and concerns about resistant “super lice.”

Try OTCs first. Permethrin (Nix Creme Rinse, etc) or pyrethrins (R&C, etc) still kill lice in many cases…have a low risk of side effects…and cost up to $13cdn for a single treatment.

Consider Resultz (isopropyl myristate) or Nyda (dimeticone) for if you want to avoid pesticides…but they cost up to $24cdn/treatment. These have less evidence for killing lice…but may make nit combing easier because they add lubrication.

Many med failures may be from improper use or reinfestation…not necessarily resistance. Read labels closely…and RE-treating in 7 to 10 days.

Nondrug options like methods to suffocate lice (Cetaphil, mayonnaise, etc) are sometimes tried. These options aren’t well studied, can be messy, and usually require multiple applications.

Some people may try wet combing alone but you will need to repeat every 2 to 3 days for several weeks until no lice or nits are seen.

“Lice salons” do this manual removal…but cost over $60/session.

You may also hear about a hot-air device (AirAllé) used by some salons to dry out lice. But a session costs about $200…and wet combing is still required.

Essential oils (tea tree, rosemary, etc)…don’t have enough evidence to be reliable.

Don’t forget nit combing after any treatment…since none kill 100% of eggs. Don’t feel compelled to try electronic combs (RobiComb, etc)…there’s no proof they work better.

Wash bedding, etc, used in the 2 days before treatment. Furniture sprays aren’t needed and can be toxic.

Treat close contacts if they have live lice…or if sharing the same bed. Pets don’t carry head lice.