If you’re a parent you’ve probably had to deal with head lice at least one in your kids younger years. If not, count yourself lucky. I think it was about 6 years ago we had to deal with an bit of an epidemic. All 3 of our girls were infested and what made matters worse is the fact that they all have beautiful long hair.

Things we’ve noticed over the years about lice and it’s control.

- if one child comes home with it, guaranteed others in the home will get it (BTW adults can/will get it as well)

- if your children go to summer camp, check their heads when they return.

- if your child shares a locker at school with a friend and that friend gets infected, he/she will get infected. Seems to be more of a problem during the colder months when their winter clothing is left in the same locker (scarf, mitts, hats etc)

- a low hair cut is no guarantee to avoid getting lice

- tea tree oil does not work as a prevention or cure

- most chemicals (pesticides if I may) you get at the pharmacy does not work - the suckers have built a resistance

- if we’re warned not to use pesticides in our garden, why would we use it on our children?

- not all children with lice will have symptoms.

ALL IS NOT LOST IN THE WAR AGAINST LICE!

There’s a new product on the market that’s supposed to be the answer all parents who’ve had to deal with lice.

Health Canada has now approved a new medication, Resultz, that contains isopropyl myristate 50%, for children four years of age and older. This ingredient has been used for years in low concentrations in cosmetic and dermatological products such as baby creams, bath oils and shaving lotions.

Resultz uses a different tack in destroying lice. It’s the “Sahara Desert” approach, namely death by dehydration. This medication dissolves the wax that covers the louse’s skeleton and it quickly dries up and dies.

In a report published this month in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, it states Resultz’s mechanical action resulted in a 96.5% cure.

Moreover, the clinical trials showed there were no safety issues. And due to its mechanical action it’s unlikely lice will develop resistance to this medication.

The treatment is simple. After covering the eyes with a towel Resultz is massaged into the scalp, especially the sides and nape of the neck. It must remain in place for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

This first application is followed by a second seven days later. This eliminates any eggs that were not killed by the initial treatment. The amount of Resultz used depends on the length of the hair.

Hopefully we never have to deal with lice again, but it’s reassuring that there’s now a nontoxic option we can turn to.