A simple treatment for head lice: dry-on, suffocation-based pediculicide.
OBJECTIVE
The emergence of drug-resistant lice has created the need for new therapies. This study assesses a new method without neurotoxins, extensive household cleaning, or nit removal.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-three subjects participated in 2 open clinical trials. In the first trial, 93 subjects completed treatment using a nontoxic, dry-on, suffocation-based, pediculicide lotion, minimal household cleaning measures, and physical removal of the nits. In the second trial, 40 subjects completed treatment using an identical protocol except that the nits were not removed. Head lice infestation was defined as a wet combing test showing lice. Cure was defined as a wet combing test showing no lice, with an absence of symptoms. Subjects were contacted 6 months later, for assessment of their disease status.


RESULTS
Cure was achieved for 97% of the patients in the first trial and 95% in the second trial. Remission at the follow-up assessment was reported for 77 of 82 subjects (94%) in the first trial and 36 of 38 subjects (95%) in the second trial. There was no statistical difference in cure rates or remission rates between the protocols with and without nit removal. The overall cure rate was 96%, with a remission rate of 94%. There were no adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Dry-on, suffocation-based, pediculicide lotion effectively treats head lice without neurotoxins, nit removal, or extensive house cleaning. These results are comparable or superior to the results previously reported for treatments with permethrin, pyrethrin, and malathion.
Pearlman
Dale Lawrence
DL
Family Dermatology Medical Office, 1220 University Dr, Suite 203, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. nuvo@dpearlman.biz
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001237:Asphyxia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005233:Fatty Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007306:Insecticides; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010374:Pediculus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019946:Propylene Glycol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D012008:Recurrence; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000628:therapy*; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D005233:Fatty Alcohols; D007306:Insecticides; D011409:Propylene Glycols; C011189:cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate non-lipid cleansing lotion; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D019946:Propylene Glycol