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Lice now dried to death by novel dryer

by Monisha on Nov 6 2006 4:55 PM

A new dryer that is capable of eliminating parasites that live on the head, lice and its eggs (nits) from hair with a single half hour treatment is much more efficient than chemical shampoos and douches claim researchers. The dryer capable of drying up lice and their eggs blows air at a slightly lower temperature than that of a regular hair dryer has been christened Louse Buster by the masterminds behind this invention who are optimistic about launching their product in the market in a span of two years for schools and other educational institutions across United States as soon as it is passed by regulatory officials in the USA.

A biology professor Dale Clayton led the research that has succeeded in coming up with this invention. The report from the University of Utah published in the November issue of “Pediatrics,” the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that this new contraption works.

Prior research had unearthed proof to show that nits are unable to hatch in scorching conditions as they seem to lose their amniotic fluid under such conditions. Studies trying to gauge how effective shampoos and hair rinses containing permethrin is to kill nits had found out that it is capable of killing only 60% of eggs whereas studies regarding Louse Buster has shown that it is able to annihilate almost 98% of nits.

This dryer also has the advantage of not having to contend with the chances of drug resistant strains of lice thus making it the most beneficial treatment of choice with minimal side effects.

Larada Sciences, an off shoot of University of Utah is in the process of developing a commercial model which will go through a series of exacting trials before it can be finally approved by the FDA as a safe medical gadget. The basic device is expected to be priced between $1,000-$2,000. The researchers have cautioned care takers and parents of children or hospital inmates to desist from using regular hairdryers to eliminate lice and nits.

Source-Medindia
MST


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