What You Need to Know About Super Lice

The word “superbug” often brings to mind bacteria that resist antibiotics, but a new “super” pest has been making headlines: super lice. These tiny parasites have spread to 48 states (all except for Alaska and Hawaii!), raising questions and concerns for families. While that might make your scalp itch just thinking about it, there’s good news—super lice can be treated effectively with the right approach.

What Are Lice?

Head lice are small, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on tiny amounts of blood. They are about the size of a sesame seed and are usually grayish-white, although they may appear reddish if they’ve recently fed. Lice do not fly or jump, but they move quickly by crawling, which allows them to transfer from person to person through close contact or shared items.

Lice have several stages:

• Nits (eggs): These are tiny, oval-shaped, and often mistaken for dandruff. They cling tightly to the hair shaft, especially around the ears and neckline.
• Nymphs: These immature lice hatch from the eggs and begin feeding right away.
• Adult lice: Fully grown and still feeding, these lice continue the cycle by laying more eggs.

It’s important to note that household pets do not spread lice, and neither regular lice nor super lice carry diseases.

What Makes Lice “Super”?

Super lice are not larger or more dangerous than regular lice. The “super” label refers to their resistance to common over the counter (OTC) treatments due to a gene mutation. However, they can still be managed effectively with consistent care and, if needed, help from a healthcare provider.

Signs Your Child May Have Lice

Watch for these common symptoms:

• Persistent itching or a tickling sensation on the scalp
• Red bumps or irritation on the neck or scalp
• Tiny white or yellowish specks near the scalp (nits)

Sometimes, symptoms may take weeks to appear, so regular checks can help catch lice early.

How to Treat Super Lice

If you suspect lice, don’t panic. With a little patience and the right tools, most cases can be handled at home.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Start with an OTC lice treatment, carefully following all instructions. Leave the product on for the full recommended time.
• Use a fine-toothed metal comb to remove nits from the hair each night for at least a week.
• Repeat the treatment after 7 days, even if lice appear to be gone, to break the life cycle.
• Wash clothing, bedding, and hair accessories in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
• Seal non-washable items (like stuffed animals or pillows) in plastic bags for 14 days to ensure any remaining lice die off.

If you’ve completed two full treatment cycles and still see live lice, it’s time to consult your child’s pediatrician. Prescription treatments are available and may be more effective against resistant lice.