Head Lice Now Resistant to Common Meds in 25 States

In his most recent study, Dr Yoon collected lice samples from 30 states and found samples from 25 states contained genetic mutations commonly associated with kdr, resulting in them being most resistant to pyrethroids.

Lice have developed resistance to over-the counter treatments in at least 25 American states.

If the lice won’t die or are not responding to over-the-counter shampoo, a doctor can prescribe a shampoo with stronger chemicals.

The findings were presented at the 250th national meeting and exposition of the American Chemical Society. But now, the annoying little pests are harder to kill.

“Everybody comes in and they’re very high stressed when they get here”, said Director of Operations Maureen Rable.

Yoon, who is with Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, explains that the momentum toward widespread pyrethroid-resistant lice has been building for years.

It’s only in the state of Michigan where lice are still susceptible to pyrethroids among the five states mentioned.

The U.S. CDC estimates that 6 million to 12 million head lice infestations occur each year in the United States among children aged 3 to 11. “You have a whole population of lice that’s not affected by this treatment”.

Luckily, this doesn’t mean that you or your child is doomed to a life with head lice if it’s contracted.

For more information about head line prevention and treatment, visit Pediatric Hair Solution’s website.

The scientist reassures that lice can still be treated using different chemicals, some of which are actually available only by prescription.

A warning for parents as kids head back to school. What Yoon and the research team discovered is that lice have become resistant to pyrethroids, having developed some sort of gene mutation, known better as knock-down resistance (kdr).

Using pyrethyroids is the most common treatment approach for combating head lice.

Since lice do not spread diseases and are more of a nuisance, cases are not required to be reported to local health departments.