LAST week at the International Conference on Applied Hair Science, a New York based team of scientists unveiled its discoveries surrounding an ingredient which is effective in preventing and treating head louse infestation.

At the conference, held on September 18 and September 19 in New Jersey, US, Poseidon Scientists announced it had found a menthol derivative called menthol propyleneglycol carbonate or MR08 - often used in toothpaste as a cooling agent - deterred lice, as they avoided surfaces covered with MR08 in tests.

MR08 was added to shampoo and scientists found lice could no longer cling to hair after this was applied and could then be easily removed with a fine-toothed comb. Poseidon is now investigating how the compound affects the lice, as they remained alive but were unable to reattach themselves to hair.

Poseidon's research into non-toxic approaches was sparked after the Archives of Disease in Childhood revealed four in five lice are now resistant to the chemicals used to treat them.

Cosmetic brands such as Fairy Tales Hair has also developed a range of non-toxic hair care which can be used to prevent lice.

Users claim products containing organic oils such as citronella, rosemary, tea tree and lavender prevent reinfestation however there is no scientific research to back this up.

This may make it unclear to some parents just what is the best method to use. Especially as organisations such as The Health Protection Agency (HPA) have highlighted organic and alternative treatments have no scientific evidence to support how effective they are.

Rachel Heathcock, consultant in communicable disease control for south east London HPA, said: "There are anecdotal reports supporting natural remedies but this is not supported by any scientific trials or evidence.

"The HPA recommends the usual chemical treatments and using a nit comb and conditioner to physically remove head lice."

Rachel says head lice becoming immune to common chemicals is an issue but it is not at the stage yet where they are completely resistant.

She said: "It is important not to use insecticides more than once a week for a period of three weeks.

"It is best to get into the habit of checking children regularly and you should only use a treatment if a live louse is found."

Guide to detection combing:

  • Wash hair well and towel dry
  • Detangle with an ordinary comb
  • In a good natural light draw the teeth of the detection comb from the scalp towards the edge of the hair
  • Repeat in all directions working round the head - this should take around 15 minutes
  • If there are head lice (top right) you will find one or more lice on the teeth of the comb