Combing Hair More Effective Than OTC Medicine For Head Lice

Researchers have shown that fine combing of wet hair may be far more effective treatment of head lice than over-the-counter (OTC) treatment.

Researchers have used single blind randomized controlled trial for comparing the Bug Buster kit with over the counter insecticide treatments against head lice in United Kingdom.

Fine combing of wet hair is far more effective than current over the counter chemical treatments for eliminating head lice, shows the research.

Head lice are parasites that usually infest the scalps of school age children. Current treatments include over the counter insecticide products or fine tooth combing of wet hair using a specially developed “Bug Buster” kit. However, chemical resistance is a problem, while wet combing is unproved as a treatment.

The study involved 126 young people with head louse infestation: 56 were allocated to the Bug Buster kit and 70 to insecticide treatments. Presence of head lice was assessed 2-4 days after the end of treatment.

Questionnaires to determine compliance and satisfaction with treatment and to obtain background information were also completed.

The Bug Buster kit was four times more effective than chemical products for eliminating head lice (57% cure rate versus 13%), suggesting that the kit is a viable alternative to over the counter insecticide treatments, say the authors.

Some may consider that the cure rate of only 57% detected with the Bug Buster kit is still unacceptable and may not provide an efficient treatment against head lice. At present there are no readily available products that provide fully effective control of head lice, and there is an urgent need to identify safe, novel insecticides of proved efficacy, they conclude.

Source: Newswise, BMJ

Medindia on Head Lice: further information

Head Lice: Lice (singularly called louse) are tiny grey-brown insects that live on people’s scalps. It thrives by sucking the blood from the scalp. Their eggs known as nits can be found glued to the base of the hairs. It hatches after 7 to 10 days. The lice are found only in human beings. Although harmless, they can make your head feel itchy. It is commonly found in school children

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HomeRemedies/Lice.asp