three-blind-lice

Why you should avoid treating head lice with chemicals

This story is produced and presented by Three Blind Lice

Three Blind Lice

A recent study led by Kyong Yoon, an assistant professor at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, reveals that lice are now resistant to common over-the-counter (OTC) treatments in more than half of the country.

The 2015 study results show 100 percent resistance to pesticide treatments in 25 states and partial resistance in four states, including New York.

More specifically, the study revealed that the new “super lice” have genetic mutations that protect them from permethrin, an anti-parasite chemical common in popular OTC lice treatment brands.

Prescription medications that rely on stronger chemicals such as benzyl alcohol, ivermectinmalathion, and spinosad remain effective, according to WebMD.

One local lice treatment expert is taking a stand against all chemical treatments, though, especially when it comes to children.

“Some of these treatments contain three times the amount of permethrin than in a can of Raid,” said Renee Garcia, district manager of Three Blind Lice, an in-home lice removal service in the Rochester area. “Is that really what you want to use on your children’s hair and scalp?”

Garcia cites information from the Pesticide Research Institute on the risks of using chemical treatments:

  • You’re exposing the family’s skin, eyes and lungs to potentially hazardous chemicals. 
  • As lice become resistant to insecticides, the chemicals are less effective.
  • There’s a risk of poisoning if products are overused or misused.

The organization encourages natural treatments for lice instead.

Garcia’s experience working with families in the Rochester area support the institute’s concerns.

“We’ve helped people who have used over-the-counter or prescription treatments repeatedly to the point where they’ve ended up with burns or sores on their heads,” Garcia said.

The price families pay isn’t limited to a red, burning scalp that has been repeatedly exposed to pesticides. Repeated treatments end up costing them money – often hundreds and hundreds of dollars. The treatments are often worse than the insect, according to Garcia, adding that the scalp-loving critters don’t transmit diseases and pose no risk to family pets.

Three Blind Lice encourages families to use a combination of three elements to eradicate lice: organic shampoos, a sophisticated comb that catches all nits and bugs, and a special combing technique that makes sure the entire hair strand is cleaned.

This approach is reinforced by the American Academy of Pediatrics in its 2015 treatment recommendations that state, “The ideal treatment of lice should be safe, free of toxic chemicals, readily available without a prescription, easy to use, effective, and inexpensive.”

Garcia says combing and organic shampoos are the only treatments that exclude toxic chemicals.

“You have two treatment choices – harsh or homeopathic,” Garcia says. “Considering that over-the-counter options don’t work on super lice anymore, if this were my child, I’d opt for homeopathic.”

Above all else, don’t treat for head lice unless you have a confirmed diagnosis. The school nurse or your pediatrician will be able to help with that.

This story is provided and presented by,​ Three Blind Lice.

Members of the editorial and news staff of D&C Digital were not involved in the creation of this content.