A new study from Southern Illinois University has found head lice have become resistant to the active ingredient in most over-the-counter drug treatments.

These super tough lice have been detected in 25 states -- and yes, sadly, California is one of them. 

Frank Campos, owner of Lousey Nitpickers in Los Angeles, says overuse is the problem.

"There are four major products on the market," Campos said. "What happens is people are overly-using the product, so the product has become inefficient. So it does kills the weaker ones, but leaves the stronger ones behind." 

Campos is here to help. But before you resort to paying him a visit, he shared these three tips:

1. Don't overuse head lice treatment: Campos said the second round of head lice treatment should be done 7 to 14 days after the first application. Most parents who visit his shop, however, followed up three to four days after first use.

2. Look for lice at home: Campos recommends starting by parting your child's hair at the crown area, and then looking for nits 1 inch from the scalp. "Nits are usually laid between the hair shaft and an inch away from the crown," he said.

3. Wash all clothes and bedding: If you discover your child has lice, wash all clothing and bedding in soap and hot water. He also recommends tossing these items in the dryer on the hot cycle -- 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard temp for most dryers -- for at least 30 minutes.   

To hear the full interview, click on the blue audio player above