Back to School: No more nit-picking? New FDA-approved treatment promises easier way to defeat lice Created by jim@commulinks.com on 9/9/2011 2:48:40 PM
New FDA-approved treatment promises easier way to defeat lice
It's not a pleasant topic, and head lice are not specifically related to X and Y chromosome variations, but, as we all know, no child is immune.
This new treatment may be promising news, especially for patients who are experiencing pesticide-resistant head lice.
Existing treatments also range in toxicity, from prescription products like Kwell Shampoo, whose active ingredient is
Lindane (in the same organochlorine class of pesticides as DDT), to over-the-counter products such as Nix, whose active ingredient is the nerve agent permethrin (which can cause serious
side effects and is increasingly ineffective against lice), to reliable, non-toxic methods that require extraordinary diligence and patience (based on oils and fine-toothed combs).
Other toxins used to control head lice include malathion (and organophosphate used in agriculture) and a combination of pyrethrin ("natural" nerve agent) and piperonyl butoxide (a "synergist" that amplifies the effects of the nerve agent).
The active ingredient in this newly approved treatment is spinosad. This, too, is a neurotoxin, but the toxicity has been found to be very low, and one of the two versions of spinosad available for agricultural use is certified for use in organic farming. Agricultural applicators are not required to exercise any special precautions other than wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes to protect them from long-term, full-body exposure.
No "pesticide" is absolutely safe, but Natroba, the brand name of the head-lice treatment containing spinosad, is approximately twice as effective (89%) as permethrin products, and it may work in one application. This efficacy is likely to substantially reduce overall exposure to the chemical. As with any chemical, watch diligently for adverse reactions--especially respiratory or skin reactions--and seek medical help immediately.
Head lice are not a vector for disease, so they do not represent a health threat. They are, however, a massive nuisance, and they will keep your child out of school. "Our kids" certainly don't need the embarrassment of being sent home for being "buggy." And they don't need to be missing school for extended periods while families struggle with persistent head lice infestations. Natroba may offer a comparatively safe and effective way to combat head lice.
Other ways to avoid head lice:
- do not share hats, scarves and other garments worn on our near the head;
- do not pile coats together on the floor or cram them onto hooks where lice on hoods, collars and so on can cross-contaminate the coats;
- clothing "cubbies" must be separated by a physical barrier;
- teach your child to avoid head-to-head contact with other children;
- teach your child to never share a comb, brush or anything else that could transport lice from one child to the other.
For more on non-toxic ways to prevent and treat head lice infestations:
Beyond PesticidesNCAP
