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Chemical treatments for head lice are
not created equal. And while all of the commercially
available products are pesticides, some are more toxic
than others. The prescriptions for lice and scabies that
contain the chemical lindane are among the most risky.
One should also know that none of the products are 100%
effective... even though the packaging may make you think
otherwise. Descriptions of pesticides derived from the
chrysanthemum flower are among the misleading.
Manufactures never tell you about the synergists and
solvents that are mixed with the supposedly naturally-derived
pesticide ingredient. If it kills a bug like "they"
say it should then it is a pesticide by definition.
Chemical treatments have their place for
certain individuals for specific reasons. Yet there are
others who should never be exposed to them. This is
especially true if the person involved is pregnant,
nursing, has allergies, asthma, epilepsy, open wounds, or
pre-existing medical conditions. Children who have been
treated repeatedly for head lice (or scabies) or exposed
to lice sprays (or flea bombs) may be more at risk of
adverse events with additional chemical exposures.
Seizures, behavioral changes, attention deficit disorders,
cancer, skin diseases, and even death have been reported
to the National Pediculosis Association's registry by
people who have used chemical treatments to get rid of
head lice or scabies.
There's tons of misinformation out there. Don't let
your family fall victim to it. If you choose to use a
chemical treatment follow the directions that come with
the treatment.
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