Currently, significant public health resources at state and local levels are used to address this problem. Nymphal head lice emerge from the nits after 6-10 days and feed daily on human blood. Transmission from fomites occurs but is thought to be less important. Shared objects such as combs, brushes, hats, towels, and bedding have been suspected in many infestations. However, most head lice die of starvation or desiccation within two days off of the host.
Products containing permethrin and pyrethrin are the current treatments of choice.
Both have been shown to be effective against head lice. However in recent years there has been widespread suspicion that head lice may have increasing levels of resistance to these materials. This apparent resistance has not been well studied or documented yet. Many providers prescribe Lindane for patients with chronic infestations of head lice. While these treatments are often effective, Lindane is more toxic to humans, and some populations of head lice have been shown to be resistant to this pesticide.