Treatment-Resistant Super Lice Outbreak Hits Half of America

Lice are parasitic insects roughly 2–3 mm long, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Lice can be found the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice infest the head and neck and attach their eggs to the base of the hair shaft. Head lice feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the human scalp. Doctors say recently lice have evolved into so-called "super lice," which can survive traditional at-home remedies. The latest research done in the field shows that the ‘super lice’ were detected in 25 states including Tennessee.

A strain of 'super lice' has hit half the country causing concern as the bugs reportedly cannot be killed with most over-the-counter treatments. The 25 States in which 100 percent of the tested lice were resistant include Illinois, Michigan, California, Texas and Arizona.

"The lice themselves have sort of built up a resistance to conventional over-the-counter treatments that most patients use for the treatments," said Pediatrician Daniel McCrimons. Super lice is resistant to the main chemical in over the counter treatments. It is not a health hazard, but they are a major pain for kids and parents.

To kill super lice, experts advice first trying to learn how to comb them out with over the counter treatments repeatedly over several weeks. People with long straight hair are most likely to get lice.

To reduce your chances, reduce contact with people who have lice and also wash your shirts and jackets more frequently. Parents should also ask a doctor for prescription treatments and wash clothing and linens in hot water.

Source-Medindia