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Q & A: Head lice
Q: What's the difference between pyrethrins and permethrin?
A: Pyrethrins are naturally occurring compounds extracted from chrysanthemum plants. Permethrin has the same basic chemical make-up but is synthetically enhanced to be more effective. Permethrin has much longer residual activity.
Q: I've heard that head lice are resistant to some lice treatment. Is this true?
A: In some places, potential resistance to several different lice-killing agents has been reported. The best way to avoid a resistance situation is to follow the directions on the product label closely.
Q: How long after my child contracts lice will I be able to detect them?
A: A female louse can lay several eggs each day. Within a couple weeks, a child may have dozens of immature lice. Looking for one louse or one nit might be difficult, but dozens should be readily apparent through close inspection.
For more information, please visit the University of Florida's School IPM Web site (http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu).
Edited by: Angela Brammer, University of Florida
