A new study suggests that a new form of “super lice” is not as easy to kill now.
According to Mother Nature Network, a new study has been published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, a publication for the Entomological Society of America and shows that the pesky critters that attack children’s hair could be getting stronger and a lot more difficult.
The new strain of lice, also known as “super lice,” is now prone to traditional over-the-counter treatments showing resistance to the products. The bugs are also seemed bigger with stronger exoskeletons, spread more quickly than traditional lice and also figured out a different egg laying system.
Just like a cold or any other ailment that requires antibiotics, bacteria can become immune to the resistant to chemical treatments and now it’s being shown that lice can be too.
Maria Botham, owner of the Hair Fairies, a children’s hair salon specializing in lice removal, told ABC News that, “They call it ‘super lice’ because it’s kind of like antibiotics to humans when a product is misused. When overused on a bug, you’re building up a pretty strong bug. Hence, ‘super lice.’”
However, if you spot your child with the nasty critters, don’t fret. There are plenty of home remedies, hair salons and other prescriptions from the doctor that can tackle these itching nuisances.