Bug be gone
By Nathan Seppa
An experimental device kills head lice by blow-drying them to death, offering a potential alternative to chemical treatments and tedious combing.
As lice have become resistant to chemical shampoos, scientists have been trying new approaches (SN: 8/20/05, p. 116: Available to subscribers at Comb over Chemicals: Tool may rid heads of pesticideproof lice).
Researchers tested several blowers against lice and their eggs, or nits, on 169 children with head lice. The scientists randomly assigned the kids to get treatment with one of several devices, including a bonnet-style hair dryer, a hand-held hair dryer, a wall-mounted hair dryer, and an experimental high-volume blower that has a special rake that lifts hair into the strong air stream. All devices blew warm air.