The Dangers of Over-the-Counter and Prescription Lice Treatments

Many well intentioned parents, upon finding out that their child has head lice, run to the local store and purchase toxic lice treatments, which could potentially affect a child’s neurological, respiratory and immune systems. Our most important concern at Lice Free Noggins is treating your family from head lice in a safe and natural manner. We never recommend using products that could pose any harm to your loved ones. In the midst of panic, it is important to remember that sometimes the medicine is worse than the cure.

Pesticides can be Harmful

” Preparations like Rid and Kwell...are definitely toxic to people.” Dr. Andrew Weil, MD.

The FDA’s adverse event reports – collected anonymously from doctors, hospitals and others – detail cases where the pesticides in lice treatments have been involved in conditions ranging from headaches to death. The reports were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

There are two main pesticides commonly found in todays lice treatments: lindane and permethrin.

Lindane, a common pesticide found in prescription lice treatments such as Kwell, has been a big concern for some health experts. According to the FDA, this pesticide has been linked to cancer, seizures and deaths and yet it is still routinely prescribed for use on a child’s head. Once absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, this pesticide can be carried throughout the body to tissues and organs. For women who are pregnant, the pesticide can travel across the placenta and affect the developing fetus. Due to toxicity, this pesticide should not be used under any circumstances. Furthermore, according to the National Pediculosis Association (NPA), children who have been treated with lindane are at more risk for behavioral changes, attention deficit disorders, skin disease, seizures and cancers. Additionally, the US Health Department’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) classified lindane as a hazardous substance that contaminates at least 144 Superfund sites (places designated by the EPA as the most hazardous of hazardous waste sites). Eighteen foreign countries have banned its use- but not the US.

Permethrin, commonly found in Nix, Rid, End Lice, Pronto, and others, has been classified as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” by the EPA. Additionally, it has been linked to adverse allergic reactions, causing eye, throat and nose itching, rashes, burning, tingling and numbness.

These pesticides get absorbed by the skin and into the blood stream once topically applied. Abrasions and broken skin, which are common from scratching once scalp, make the absorption of pesticides even greater and therefore pose a threat to an individuals well being.

Natural Lice Removal Treatment

There are numerous natural alternatives to treating head lice at home; using a professional lice removal service is just one of them. At Lice Free Noggins we make safety a priority. Having head lice can be a stressful time for many. Our lice technicians are here to help deal with your lice infestation in a quick, safe and effective manner. Our lice removal products are always natural and safe, even for a nursing mother. We offer lice removal services in Brooklyn, Queens, NYC, Staten Island and Nassau County.

Visit www.licefreenoggins.com to see how we can help you get rid of lice naturally.