Single blind, randomised, comparative study of the Bug Buster kit and over the counter pediculicide treatments against head lice in the United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of the Bug Buster kit with a single treatment of over the counter pediculicides for eliminating head lice.


METHODS
Single blind, multicentre, randomised, comparative clinical study.


METHODS
Four counties in England and one county in Scotland.


METHODS
133 young people aged 2-15 years with head louse infestation: 56 were allocated to the Bug Buster kit and 70 to pediculicide treatment.


METHODS
Home use of proprietary pediculicides (organophosphate or pyrethroid) or the Bug Buster kit.


METHODS
Presence of head lice 2-4 days after end of treatment: day 5 for the pediculicides and day 15 for the Bug Buster kit.


RESULTS
The cure rate using the Bug Buster kit was significantly greater than that for the pediculicides (57% v 13%; relative risk 4.4, 95% confidence interval 2.3 to 8.5). Number needed to treat for the Bug Buster kit compared with the pediculicides was 2.26.


CONCLUSIONS
The Bug Buster kit was the most effective over the counter treatment for head louse infestation in the community when compared with pediculicides.
Hill
N
N
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT. nigel.hill@lshtm.ac.uk
Moor
G
G
Cameron
M M
MM
Butlin
A
A
Preston
S
S
Williamson
M S
MS
Bass
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006203:Hair Preparations; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007223:Infant; D007306:Insecticides; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008294:Malathion; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010374:Pediculus; D026023:Permethrin; D012307:Risk Factors; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006203:Hair Preparations; D007306:Insecticides; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D026023:Permethrin; D008294:Malathion