As kids head back to school, an infestation of lice resistant to the over-the-counter shampoos and medications used to treat them has left families scratching their heads and pharmacists perplexed. Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson, a pediatrician at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine shares her insight on how to avoid the super bugs.

About the pests

Lice are insects approximately the size of a grain of rice that lay white or brown eggs called nits, which stick to hair shafts, about one or two inches from the scalp.

‘Similar to bacteria and antibiotics, lice have become resistant to medications we use to treat them,’ says Dr. Chow-Johnson. ‘Though it's time consuming, the only way to truly get rid of lice is to use a fine-tooth comb, carefully combing every strand of hair to get rid of the both the lice and nits.’ 

Lice are rumored to carry dangerous diseases, yet this is a myth, according to Dr. Chow Johnson, who adds that catching lice is not the result of poor hygiene.

‘Typically, lice do not transmit infections,’ she says. ‘And there is no shame in having lice. In fact, they are attracted to clean, shiny hair so the assumption that only unclean people have lice is false.’

Lice can't jump or fly: They spread from person to person by means of shared hats, backpacks, sweaters or hairbrushes.

Symptoms include itchiness -- particularly behind the ears and on the nape of the neck -- bumps on the neck, and feeling something moving on your scalp.

Call to arms

‘Try checking your child's hair once a week,’ says Dr. Chow-Johnson. ‘It's inconvenient but it's far easier to deal with lice early on than after the bugs have been there for a month.’

Start by purchasing a metal fine-tooth comb, forgoing any plastic options, which Dr. Chow-Johnson says are ineffective.

Prepare a white towel and fill the sink with warm water, then part your child's hair in sections.

Using either water or nit spray that dyes nits making them easier to see, start with a small lock of hair and work your way down from the roots, pulling the comb all the way down to the ends.

Rinse the comb, wipe it off with the towel and repeat the process until you've covered your child's entire head of hair.

‘It's not enough to do a quick visual by parting your child's hair. Lice move very quickly and evade your best efforts,’ says Dr. Chow-Johnson.

De-bugging personal items

Treat all members of your household if you find lice, and wash all linens in hot water.

Items not suitable for washing, such as car seats, backpacks and cushions should be placed in a plastic bag, tightly sealed, for 72 hours to rid them of lice, says Dr. Chow-Johnson.

She suggests doing this with the personal items of all members of your household, adding that lice need blood in order to live, and therefore expire in two to three days without human contact.

Lice are repulsed by scents including mango, rosemary and tea tree oil, says Dr. Chow-Johnson, who suggests using shampoos with these aromas.

She adds that after having lice, children are more susceptible to them for six weeks, so it's important to continue using anti-lice products during this time and continue daily checks.