Lice and Super Lice
Lice is not something we want to think about or hear about usually, but it is a real problem when you have school-aged children. Right now there are over 25 states that are battling this new super lice, too. Super lice are not a different bug, but just ones that have become resistant to typical treatments. (To see if you state is on the list check map below)
Most OTC treatments for lice have pyrethroids in them to combat and kill the lice. Today, in many states, the insects have become resistant to these chemicals and most treatments don’t work well. You can still treat a lice outbreak with OTC chemicals, but make sure you apply a second dose 5 to 7 days later for the best results.
If you treat lice and still have problems, then you will have to take you child to the pediatrician to get a prescription strength treatment. Check with your pharmacist, too, to see if one treatment seems to be working better in your area.
Home remedies are not scientifically proven to work, but some parents try smothering the child’s hair with mayo, olive oil or even Vaseline. You do have to spread it on very thick and leave it on the head long enough to possibly work. It doesn’t hurt to try these remedies before buying the chemical treatments.
The only tried and true way to get rid of these bothersome bugs is by shaving the head. This may be okay for boys, but I don’t think many moms want to put their girls through this experience. Long and straight hair is the best home for lice, so keeping hair shorter can help.
The good news is that lice can be treated, but it may take some time. Lice do not carry diseases, so that is one thing you don’t have to worry about. These bugs are a nuisance and a real pain to take care, though. Hopefully you won’t have to deal with lice, but if you do, at least you are prepared.
None of my children are even allowed to say the word at our house. We call it the ‘L’ word, because I don’t want to “call” them to come visit lol. I’ve heard tea tree oil is effective, too. Fortunately, I’ve never needed to find out…yet.
I hate the dreaded “purple paper” that comes home when someone has lice. I get creeped out just reading the letter. Luckily, it hasn’t hit our house yet, but I know that is just a matter of time…..sigh Great info here thanks!
I wonder why is it always kids who get them? Is it because they are more active then adults?
Won’t lie. this just makes me naseous. Yuck. Seriously the most gross thing I can think of!
Lice is not an easy topic to talk about so well done to you for raising awareness. Certainly not pleasant but parents need to know how to deal with lice.
I am aware but this is a topic I don’t think about and I have had no reason to talk about. Hopefully I will never have to.
My kids getting lice is literally my worst nightmare. I think I would die.
Lice. … I am a teacher so know ALL about these little guys. When Super Lice came to be, I felt a tinge of panic! haha… But, as long as parents know the tips and tricks to managing and getting rid of them, its all good. 😉
Karen | GlamKaren.com
I, myself, have suffered through this so its good to see advice and tricks to avoid it. As a parent, I feel we need to learn so much so I enjoy parenting blogs with lessons learned and advice. Thanks for sharing!
I had no idea about super lice. I’m lucky my boys haven’t gotten either version yet. Fingers crossed!
the problem with lice is having parents NOT treat their kids when they do get it as it puts everyone else at risk. I think the schools should require them to treat their kids before they are allowed back in school.
Just thinking about them makes my head itch! We are big on preventative measures here at our house. The kids use a tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner. We don’t share hats or combs. Around here a lot of teenagers are getting it because they are taking a lot of selfies. Ack!!
OMG, lice just creep me out to the Nth degree. I know it doesn’t mean you’re dirty if you get it. It’s more the thought of little creatures crawling all over my head! O_o
super lice scares the pants off of me. Thankfully, neither of mine have had it. touch wood.
I have a few friends who complained how they children have to deal with this creature. A good and constant treatment will get them away..I guess.
My head is itching now! I was a preschool teacher and familiar with lice. The only way to get rid of them is by picking out the nits. Shaving a head will make life easier but won’t get rid of it. Also, they like to lay eggs close to the skull so you might miss them with a shave or a hair cut/
Is there anything more dreaded that getting the letter from school that someone in the class has lice? We have put a few drops of tea tree oil in our hair detangler.
The proven method my mom used when I was little when I was in kindergarten was covering our head in hair gel. After about an hour or so, we would rinse the gel out and then hair dry our hair until there was not one drop of moisture.
I’m so thankful that I’ve never had to deal with this! I’ve heard that tea tree oil is really effective for treating lice.
Southern Soul
This is really helpful. Sometimes schools find out too late so it’s good to know the treatments beforehand.
Ughhhh lice are the worst!!! I got lice as a kid once and I was the cleanest kid ever due to my mom being a clean freak! Glad I color my hair now because they don’t live on bleach so if my daughter to ever get them at school attest I will be safe 😉 thanks for the remedies
I am a teacher and we have dealt with a number of rounds of lice in my classroom this year. It is crazy – but I have a handful of parents that refuse to use chemical based treatments. therefore – we just keep going round and round. *sigh*
Oh no, my state is in the danger zone. Thank you for the tips. We have never had to deal with this problem yet. I hope it stays this way.
Eek, but this is good to know.
Thank for bringing this to our attention.
Thank the lord I have never had to deal with Lice! Such a nasty thing to have to deal with.
Thanks for the useful info. I know how lice can be very annoying. I always check my kids.
Its a dreaded topic but necessary. I spray my youngest who is still in middle school – her hair with rosemary spray. They say it helps prevent the L word. When the note comes home – her hair in a bun!
For the last few years my kiddos have been having TTO in their shampoos and sprays…. So we have luckily not had to deal with live.. this new super lice I dont know what I’d do!
Thankfully we aren’t there with it in our state but I also have boys. I can’t imagine trying to get it out of girls hair.
When my daughter was in middle school, she got lice that would not go away. It took us over 3 months to get rid of them.
After finding out about super lice, I am very glad my daughter is no longer a child. When having children in school, they are much more likely to get lice. I remember many times getting a letter sent home from the teacher stating that someone in the classroom had lice, and that every parent needed to check their child in order to stop further spreading.