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How to protect your children from ‘super lice’

Posted at 8:42 PM, Feb 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-26 22:34:58-05

SACRAMENTO -- Doctors say recently lice have evolved into so-called "super lice," which can survive traditional at-home remedies, according to KTXL.

Charles McGlory, who told the station four of his five kids currently have lice, said he recently got a call about his daughter Jessica's hair.

"We got a phone call about four days ago. They said she had a couple eggs in her hair," McGlory said.

Jessica is the first to be treated after several failed attempts to kill the insects at home.

"We tried Nix, we tried a lot of different treatments, and put shampoo, and they just don't kill them," McGlory said.

That's because doctors said lice have evolved into so-called "super lice" that can survive traditional at-home treatments.

"The lice themselves have sort of built up a resistance to conventional over-the-counter treatments that most patients use for the treatments," Dr. Daniel McCrimons, a pediatrician, said.

Dr. McCrimons said doctors can prescribe a cream to treat lice, and that people should always keep an eye out for the tiny eggs.

"It's visible, it's probably the size of a pinhead but its black and it's visible, and you'll see the six legs moving around and they're attached to the shaft of the hair," McCrimons said.

Larry Shield, the co-owner of Lice Clinics of America in Sacramento, said 90-percent of his clients have been treated before seeking his help.

The clinic offers a three-step process to kill lice eggs.

"So if I hold our dehydrator on your scalp for 30 seconds the heat is flowing slow enough and at the right temp that is dehydrates the eggs," Shield said.

People with long straight hair are most likely to get lice. To reduce your chances, reduce contact with people who have lice and also wash your shirts and jackets frequently.

Do you have a home remedy or secret that works to kill lice? Weigh in on the WTVR CBS 6 Facebook page.