Head lice treatments worse than the pest itself?

One of the biggest worries for some health experts is a prescription treatment for head lice and scabies called lindane. The pesticide has been targeted for worldwide phase-out since 2009 by the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty that targets some of the world’s deadliest toxins. The U.S. has not ratified the treaty, and has no imminent plans to ban lindane for head lice.

Since 2006, lindane can no longer be used here on crops or cattle, or for any other purpose regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. A so-called “second line” treatment – meaning it’s only to be used if other methods fail – for head lice and scabies, lindane has been linked to cancer, seizures and deaths, according to the FDA.

“It’s not permitted to put lindane on your dog in the U.S.,” said Joe DiGangi, PhD, a senior science and technical advisor at the International POPs Elimination Network. “But they’re still allowing it to be put on your child’s head.”

Lindane accounted for $10.5 million in U.S. sales in 2010 for head lice and scabies, according to IMS Health, a healthcare information company.

Pesticides called permethrin and malathion can also be problematic for lice treatment. Permethrin is found in popular over-the-counter products, such as Nix. Malathion and lindane generally require a prescription for drugs that go by the names Ovide or Kwell, respectively.

Nix, along with other products, has been approved for use on children as young as two months old.  Would you pour Raid on your two months head?  Why would you put these OTC products on their heads?

At Lice Lifters we treat lice with an all-natural heated treatment and our products The Nit Nanny are all-natural as well.  Now that we know better we need to do better.  Find a Lice Lifters Treatment Center near you. http://www.licelifters.com/locations.html The Nit Nanny Products are always available http://www.thenitnanny.com/productsandprevention.html