Just in time for the kids to go back to school a new study has found 25 of the 50 states have head lice that have built up a tolerance to normal treatments making them immune.

A study out of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsvillle finds the pests have developed resistance to popular over-the-counter medications in at least 25 states, including Maine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say as many as 12 million American school children between the ages of 3 and 11 get them each year.

The chemicals in the usual treatments when used in the correct dosage are no longer working on many lice. This doesn't mean those treatments won't work in general, you will just need to use higher doses.

Healthline.com has a few tips for lowering your chances of getting head lice.

  1. Avoid head to head contact
  2. Avoid sharing combs, brushes, helmets, and even earbuds
  3. Check hair frequently as well as objects like blankets and stuffed animals
  4. Minimize touching your head or others heads

Here is a video showing head lice and how to check for it.

More From WBZN Old Town Maine