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SANDY — As kids get ready to head back to school this fall, lice are among the concerns for parents. Treatment-resistant "super lice" are now in 42 states, including Utah. But a school nurse in the Canyons School District says concern should not turn into panic.
"We worry the same amount every year," said Sally Goodger, a nursing team leader with the district.
The district has a lice protocol based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and The American Academy of Pediatrics.
"It's nothing to panic about," she said. "It's nothing to ostracize other children from."
Children don't need to be sent home. Head lice do not carry disease. They're more of an annoyance, she said.
"It has nothing to do with filth or dirtiness," said Goodger.
Forty-two out of 48 states tested have been invaded by the so-called super lice, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. The study showed 100 percent of the lice tested were resistant to over-the-counter treatments, although prescription medications can still be effective.
But, if the annoyance of super lice gets to be too much, Hair Maidens may be able to help. It's a Utah business started by Rita Skolnick, a mom, to help other moms with the same problem.
"Right now, it's crazy," Skolnick said.
When she started Hair Maidens professional lice removal five years ago, she had no idea she would be busy throughout the year, but she is.
She comes to a house, gets rid of the lice, helps educate the family and reduces their panic.
"I just say, 'Hey it's not a big deal. We're going help you and take care of this and your kid can go to school tomorrow,'" Skolnick said.
She dehydrates the bugs with a shampoo, and combs out the lice by hand with a comb called the "Lice Meister." The comb is her defense against the super lice and their eggs.
"You're actually physically taking the bug off and getting rid of it," Skolnick said.
She said the $129 treatment usually takes care of the problem with additional follow-up by the patient.
"Lice is very resilient," the school nurse said. "They will always find a way to stick around."
Goodger said parents should not treat for lice unless the child has lice. The problem is that lice have mutated and become resistant to store products, while prescription treatments may still work.
"It's the same as penicillin," she said. "Just because your neighbor's child has strep throat you wouldn't treat your child with penicillin. Just because your neighbor's child has lice, you shouldn't treat your child with lice shampoo."
Advice for parents
The nurse shared this advice for parents. They should look for scalp scratching and check their children's hair weekly. When combing their hair, they should look for white cocoons that hang onto the hair. Those might be lice eggs. People with questions should contact their school or doctor.
