New scientific research reveals lice in Indiana and 24 other states have grown highly resistant to common over-the-counter treatments.
The research was presented earlier this week at the National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society.
Scientists have collected samples from 30 states as part of their research. Most of the samples have revealed lice are resistant to insecticides, including one commonly found in lice treatment medication.
Dr. Kyong Yoon with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville led the study and tested lice for genetic mutations know as KDR, or knock-down-resistance. He found Michigan was the only state where lice haven't developed a strong resistance to over-the-counter medications.
Yoon says lice can still be treated with other chemicals that are typically only available with a prescription.
"If you use a chemical over and over, these little creatures will eventually develop resistance," Yoon says. "So we have to think before we use a treatment. The good news is head lice don't carry disease. They're more a nuisance than anything else."