The lice from Borneo were quickly killed by permethrin. If a little permethrin wasn t effective, neither was a larger dose. Some prescribed medications simply contain a higher concentration of permethrin. If you have permethrin-resistant lice, then it s best to try something else. Alternatives to permethrin include pediculicides containing lindane and malathion, both available by prescription.
Special combs are available for combing living lice and their eggs from the scalp and hair.
However, because the effectiveness of these combs depends upon their construction of tightly spaced teeth, they are difficult or impossible to use with some hair types or styles. The US lice tested were collected from the heads of children by nurses assigned to schools in Massachusetts and in Idaho. The parents or guardians of these children were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding family knowledge of this and any prior louse infestations. Nearly every child had been previously treated with a pediculicide. Research to assess the extent of this problem is currently under way.