Guide to Head Lice Treatment
Treating head lice has fundamentally changed now that pesticide-resistant lice, commonly known as “super lice,” have become commonplace. Twenty years ago, getting rid of lice was as simple as visiting the drugstore, picking up a prescription pesticide-based shampoo, and washing everyone’s hair at home.
Today, the landscape is different. The primary differences between modern solutions and old-school methods come down to cost, the treatment mechanism (manual vs. chemical), and the amount of time and work required to truly get the job done.
As traditional over-the-counter products lose their effectiveness, many parents are turning away from pesticides and toward professional services like Lice Charmers.
In response to the increased demand for fast and effective lice treatment, “Mom-and-Pop” removal companies have sprouted up across the country. Many of these businesses were started by mothers who personally struggled with head lice, found a reliable solution for their own families, and eventually opened a professional practice to help their communities.
Whether they call themselves a lice salon, clinic, service, or center, they all share a common goal: total elimination. However, the important differences to look for include:
- In-home lice treatment vs. public treatment
- Flat fee vs. hourly
- Treatment time required
- Guarantee terms
- Number of appointments required
- Method: chemical, manual (combing or hot-air device), or combination
The advantage of a service is that you can be confident you’re lice free immediately, and often guaranteed free re-treatment if your family gets it again. The major downside is the cost, which can vary widely.
Over-the-Counter Options
Drugstores, supermarkets, online retailers, and even lice services offer do-it-yourself lice kits. These may come in the form of shampoos, lotions, oils, sprays, and include combs or even magnifying glasses.
The problem with most of these kits is that they all rely on lice combing to get the job done, which is a skill. Amateur lice combing can be unpleasant for you and your children, requires a lot of time, and the combs included in kits are often not up to the task.
You can get rid of lice with a kit, but it will not happen quickly. It requires numerous hours spread over days of combing.
If you decide to try an over-the-counter product, look for one with a money-back guarantee, and a lice comb with tightly spaced metal teeth at least 1.5 inches long.
Prescription Medications
There is only one prescription treatment that kills both live lice and their eggs. The rest are non-ovicidal or only partially kill the eggs. If the eggs are not destroyed or removed, lice will continue their infestation.
Natroba kills both adult lice and their eggs. The downside is that it is a pesticide called spinosad, and pregnant women, infants, and children may be at risk.1
It costs around $214-275 per treatment per person, is not covered by most insurance plans, and requires paying for a doctor visit to get a prescription.2,3