When your child comes racing home early from school, note in hand from the school nurse, you know something is wrong. And then, their hand reaches up to their scalp and begins to scratch the telltale itch of a head lice infestation. Your immediate thought is likely a trip to the supermarket or local drugstore for over-the-counter lice treatment medication – but we’d like to urge you away from that aisle altogether. Why? It’s because such medications fail to properly address the issue. Today’s head lice, through generations of facing treatment, have evolved. They are no longer as affected by your average medication. You require a more thorough procedure and a better solution to handle a lice infestation today!
Today’s head lice are often referred to as “super lice.” Their ability to withstand over-the-counter medications have made them a significant foe. The only option? Prescription medications and professional lice treatment. You’re much better off turning to either a physician or local lice treatment center to rid your scalp of head lice. Otherwise, you risk worsening the situation and not affecting the head lice whatsoever.
According to Dr. Ellen Koch, a dermatologist with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, “the failure rate of these products has increased dramatically in many areas of the United States. This leads to increased cost, days missed from work and school, and frustration among our patients.”
The only surefire method to rid your scalp of head lice is a combination of physically removing each louse, and treating with medication. A professional lice treatment center combines both into a single effective treatment session for the best results.
Disadvantages of Over-the-Counter Lice Treatment
Over-the-counter (OTC) lice treatment medications – typically shampoos – were designed to target adult lice and adolescent nymphs. But of course, this leaves behind both nits (lice eggs) and the youngest nymphs. Over time, both will develop resistance to chemicals found in such treatments. This adaptation renders OTC treatments ultimately useless, as the developed resistance is passed through the species over each generation.
What types of chemicals are included in these medications? You might be surprised. For example, lindane is one common chemical found in OTC medications. Lindane is a pesticide that today, thanks to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cannot be used even for livestock. This pesticide has been linked to cancer, seizures, and even death in rare cases. You cannot put lindane on your household pet – yet you can legally apply it to the hair of your children, as the US does not ban the use of lindane for head lice treatment!
Further, pesticides known as permethrin and malathion are both found in over-the-counter medications, including Nix. Health experts are concerned about this, as these are neurotoxic chemicals. They can cause weakness, tingling, seizures, and more. Your child may be much better off with the head lice, than with these so-called treatment options.
For professional lice treatment solutions, contact Lice Lifters in DFW for affordable, safe lice treatment. Schedule an appointment this week by calling 972-805-1308. Lice Lifters only uses safe, non-toxic treatment solutions. There are zero pesticides in our natural formula!