Comparative In Vitro Pediculicidal Efficacy of Treatments in a Resistant Head Lice Population in the United States

Lindane Shampoo for Head Lice Treatment among Female Secondary School Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An Interventional Study

“…The extensive use of pediculicides with a neurotoxic mode of action has led to the development and spread of resistant head lice populations worldwide [12][13][14]. In addition, the failure of current chemical treatments to kill lice embryos in eggs, the environmental and food safety concerns posed by these treatments, and their potential toxicity to users necessitate the development of safe alternative treatment methods that can effectively kill adult lice and eggs via new modes of action [15,16], Other causes for the development of resistance to existing pediculicides include the persistence of pediculicide residue on hair, exposure of lice to sub-therapeutic concentrations, and inadequate concentration levels [5,6]. Numerous studies of the different types of head lice treatments have revealed that commercial pediculicides are ineffective in treating head lice infestations in students [12][13][14][17][18][19].…”

“…In recent years, resistance to insecticides has contributed to an increased prevalence of head lice [4]. Moreover, the incidence of head lice infestation is increasing primarily because of emerging treatment resistance [5]. Physicians are usually involved in the treatment of head lice after treatment failure for the second time, which could contribute to the emergence of resistance, as suggested by the results of efficiency studies showing that infested patients may treat themselves numerous times before seeking professional medical help [5,6].…”

“…Moreover, the incidence of head lice infestation is increasing primarily because of emerging treatment resistance [5]. Physicians are usually involved in the treatment of head lice after treatment failure for the second time, which could contribute to the emergence of resistance, as suggested by the results of efficiency studies showing that infested patients may treat themselves numerous times before seeking professional medical help [5,6]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of head lice infestation, the effectiveness of pediculicide treatments available overthe-counter, and the effectiveness and safety of lindane shampoo in treating head lice among Saudi Arabian female students.…”

A Simple Treatment for Head Lice: Dry-On, Suffocation-Based Pediculicide

“…23,28 There is now growing evidence that viable, contagious, head lice are rarely found in the environment; therefore, cleaning efforts aimed at removing them are of minimal usefulness. 15,[29][30][31] There is no welldocumented study showing that extensive cleaning measures are required for or even contribute to curing head lice. The simplicity of this method was welcomed by both parents and children.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The recommended household cleaning and nit removal procedures are viewed as a heavy burden, and compliance may be incomplete. [12][13][14][15] Some parents, school nurses, and health care advocates are concerned about the safety and efficacy of neurotoxin-based pediculicides and await the development of safer alternative agents. 16 Finally, experts suggest that "there is strong need for the Food and Drug Administration to approve alternative agents."…”