When it comes to treating lice, follow the directions on an over-the-counter lice medicine. The CDC warns that those with long hair may need two boxes to complete treatment. Don't use two-in-one shampoo/conditioner options or conditioner in general before treating a person for lice. And don’t wash your child’s hair again for a day or two after medication has been removed. This can make treatments less effective.
Super Lice?
One problem with treating lice that surfaced in early 2016 is so-called "super lice," those lice on which traditional over-the-counter treatments are ineffective. Resistant strains of lice have been found in more than 25 states, according to a research team at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Pyrethroids, the active ingredient in lice cures, are the weak link. The pesky parasites have developed resistance to it – but the good news is that repeated treatments seem to do the trick.
But if it doesn't, dermatologists recommend seeking a prescription from a doctor, to which lice is more susceptible.
Going Green
If you tend to go green and use natural products, investigate natural treatments for lice. According to the Mayo Clinic, some studies suggest that tea tree oil can treat lice. That said, these types of studies are still in the early stages, and larger studies would need to be conducted before a definite answer is reached.
When it comes to efficacy of treatment, you’ll want to see if lice are actively moving eight to 12 hours after treatment has been applied. If they seem sluggish, you don’t need to retreat. However, if lice still seem perky after eight to 12 hours, talk to a doctor about a different method of treatment before re-treating. Then check your child’s hair every two or three days and after two or three weeks, and rid hair of both live and dead lice with a fine-toothed comb designed for this purpose.