Study: Most head lice resistant to OTC allopathic remedies

NORWALK, Conn. — According to a report published Friday in HealthDay News, most head lice now carry a gene mutation that makes them resistant to standard over-the-counter treatments, citing a study in the March issue of the Journal of Medical Entomology. 

As many as 88% of lice may carry the gene mutation. 

"This gives most of today's head lice an ability to withstand exposure to the main — and previously effective — ingredients found in most nonprescription head lice drugs: 'pyrethroid' compounds, such as permethrin," the report stated.