The Latest on Lice

by Perri Klass  (anything written by Perri Klass is worth reading)

NY Times, October 10, 2017

Full Text.

We spend a billion dollars a year on treatments for head lice, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Head lice is spread from person to person.  It is an infestation, not an infection — they do not actually carry infections.  The AAP argues first and foremost that children should not miss school because of head lice or nits.  It’s not necessary to treat all the children in a classroom, or all the people who live in the house, though anyone who shares a bed should get treated.

It can be helpful to treat more than once, usually after about nine days, if you are using a product that does not kill the eggs, or if you see live lice after a first treatment.

There should never be a case for a child with head lice spending days out of school. Families should be notified, they should be able to access topical medication and they should be able to re-enter the next day.”

Perri Klass is a respected pediatric writer.  This is a level-headed. helpful review.

An effective nonchemical treatment for head lice: a lot of hot air.

Goates BM, et. al. Pediatrics. 2006 Nov;118(5):1962-70.

“RESULTS:  The most successful method, which used a custom-built machine called the LouseBuster, resulted in nearly 100% mortality of eggs and 80% mortality of hatched lice. The LouseBuster was effective in killing lice and their eggs when operated at a comfortable temperature, slightly cooler than a standard blow-dryer. Virtually all subjects were cured of head lice when examined 1 week after treatment with the LouseBuster. There were no adverse effects of treatment.

[Strangely, I think the authors of this article had a conflict of interest.The LouseBuster was made in Salt Lake City and Groates does his research there, too.While hot air is an attractive remedy, it may no be practical. DJE]