Study: Researchers find Arizona is home to rare repellent-resistant lice

PHOENIX — Mind your heads: Researchers have found a species of lice that is resistant to over-the-counter medication in 25 states, including Arizona, according to a study from Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Kyong Yoon with the university headed the ground-breaking study, which began after he decided to collect lice samples from a large number of populations across the nation.

He found that 104 of the 109 lice populations had a group of genetic mutations known as kdr, or “knock-down resistance.” These mutations affect an insect’s nervous system and desensitize them to pyrethroids, which are found in the majority of commercial household insecticides.

Dr. Brenda Kronborg, a pediatrician with Banner Health, said that although some over-the-counter medications will not do the trick, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

“We’re having to use prescription medications or there is some alternative, over-the-counter medications that aren’t really medications that seem to be working well too,” she said.

Prescription lice medication is often not covered by insurance and can be expensive, but Dr. Kronborg has a few alternatives.

“You can try things like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, or you can use essential oils like tea tree (oil), clove oil, and nutmeg oil, or you can use just plain old vinegar,” she said.

Dr. Kronborg also recommends using a nit-comb to fully get rid of the nits, as well as soaking brushes and combs in vinegar and washing linens in a hot dryer.

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