They're lice, for heaven sakes, this shouldn't be rocket science, but it is.
1. For decades, we've been using over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos to treat head lice. Effective.
2. Now, 2/3 to 3/4 of them are immune to the active ingredient, pyrethrins (plant-based insecticide). For the newer treatments, head lice needed only three years to make themselves immune.
3. The OTC products aren't working, prolonging misery, and causing kids to be out of school for extensive periods of time until all lice and their larvae, called nits are gone.
4. Europe hasn't used the pyrethrins in decades and have developed different treatments that are effective.
5. American doctors have added prescription medications to their tool chest, but a doctor's visit, co-pay, and medications, may which may not be covered by insurance, keep most kids from getting these newer treatments.
6. Three approved prescription treatments have been on the market since 2009. Because there are three treatments, they can be rotated to reduce the chances of developing mutations and subsequently, immunity.
7. Many different kinds of lice treatment centers are popping up all over America.
8. About a decade ago, treatment in Europe started moving away from nearly all insecticides and pyrethroids toward synthetic oils which coat the lice making it impossible for them to pee which shuts down their organs and then, they rupture from all of the liquid.
9. The International Society of Phthirapteristis are people who study head lice.
Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year!
Just do the best you can, Claudia
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