Sep 11, 2008 8:35 pm US/Eastern
Officials Warn Against Drug-Resistant 'Super Lice'
FDA Months Away From Approving New, Promising Treatments That Will Fight Off Parasites In 30 Minutes
For Now, Doctors Not Even Ruling Out Olive Oil, Mayo Remedies
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
-
-
As school starts, health officials and parents are bracing for this year's bout with what some are calling "super lice." (File)
AP
If there is one childhood rite of passage that withstands the test of time, it's head lice. Even though the bugs carry no diseases and don't cause any actual harm, they're universally loathed.
And now, they're becoming more difficult to treat.
As school starts, health officials and parents are bracing for this year's bout with what some are calling "super lice." Some of the bugs have become drug-resistant, and no longer respond to common anti-lice medications.
About the size of a sesame seed, head lice are six-legged parasites that live on the human head. And nits – eggs that females glue onto hairs near the scalp – can be difficult to spot.
"The nits are usually sort of like a clear-looking, light color, tannish," says Dr. Kenneth Gottesman of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital.
The itchy condition is most common in daycare centers and nursery schools because of the close interaction among children.
For now, doctors are still recommending traditional treatments because not all lice are resistant.
"If one person in the family is diagnosed with lice it's very important to make sure every family member's checked," says Gottesman.
Home remedies like olive oil and mayonnaise applied to the scalp have not been scientifically proven, but probably won't hurt.
Remember, don't share combs, brushes, or hats.
Also, wash bedding and clothing daily during treatment.
There are some new and promising treatments awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration in the coming months. They're thought to be effective against the "Super Lice" and work in just 30 minutes rather than the usual 12 hours.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments