Home remedies for Pediculus humanus capitis infection among schoolchildren

Abstract

Preschool and elementary school aged children were most common infested with head lice in the United States [9]. The prevalence was 43% in a slum and 28% in a fishing village in Brazil [4]. Many chemical products were investigated for their effects on HL, in United States the most studied pediculicide was Permethrin, the least toxic to human [10]. In 2009, 5% benzyl alcohol was inspected as a treatment for HL ABSTRACT Background: Head lice (HL) is still signifying problem, its incidence is greater in crowded places like schools and day cares. Material and Methods: A total of 1791 school children, from five schools (three elementary and two intermediate) in Kirkuk province, Iraq, were eligible for screening of head lice. The heads were examined carefully by naked eye or with assistance of magnifying lens. After detecting the infected heads, natural and chemical products were used for treating the infection. Results: 255 samples were found to be positive for head lice, with rate of 14.2 %. Females were significantly more infected than males. The most age group which was infected in both genders was 7-8 and 9-10 years old. parents occupation or the educational status of the infected children, were not associated with the incidence of the infection. The effect of the natural plant oils were intensified when used with head cap. The most effective plant oil was olive and anise followed by thyme and sesame they were effective at 48 hours after usage. Very little effect had resulted with garlic oil. Petrol was effective in killing the lice with or without head cap. The anti-lice shampoos were effective after repeating treatment for four to five days. The ordinary hair shampoos were effective at killing the lice only when used with head cap. Olive oil and sesame are effective for head lice treating, but the commercial normal hair shampoos are better for completely removing the infection, if used with hair cap. Conclusion: The recommendation is that, the ordinary hair shampoos can be used instated of natural oils or anti-lice shampoos that contain insecticides and may have side effects.

Investigation on prevalence, risk factors, and genetic diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis among primary school children

“…Statistical nonsignificant difference (P-value= 0.1) in relation to P. humanus capitis infestation was observed between age groups. Our result was in agreement with Khidhir et al (26) and Kalari et al (27), while in disagreement with Obaid results (28). The most infested age group (8-9 years) was also the most abundant participating school-aged children.…”

The effectiveness of garlic, black turmeric, and red betel vine solutions to maintain scalp hygiene (pediculicide efficacy test toward head lice)

“…The active element in allicin is assumed to have a powerful antibiotic function. 6,16,17 The treatment using red betel vine in this research proved that the 8% red betel vine solution (X5 group) killed the lice in 12.75 minutes, and 16% red betel vine solution (X6 group) could kill in five minutes. The red betel vine solution was significant to kill head lice with a p-value 0.001.…”

Study of the efficiency of the volatile oils of Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia officinalis plants in controlling the human head lice parasite Pediculus humanus capitis

“…Anti-lice shampoos are effective after repeated treatment for four to five days. As for the regular hair shampoo, it became effective in killing lice only when used with the head covering (Obaid, 2018) The lavender plant with its different parts has many uses due to its pleasant smell. It has been used in cleaning and cosmetics materials and in traditional treatments.…”