Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis

Abstract

Background Pediculosis capitis is a common human parasitic infestation in childhood. This article aims to provide a narrative updated review on the management of pediculosis capitis. Methods A PubMed search was performed with Clinical Queries using the key terms “pediculosis capitis” OR “head lice” OR “head louse”. The search strategy included clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and reviews published within the past 10 years. The search was restricted to articles published in English literature. The information retrieved from the search was used in the compilation of the present article. Results Topical permethrin and pyrethrin formulated with piperonyl butoxide are the pediculicides of choice in areas where resistance to these products is low. When resistance to these products is suspected based on local levels of resistance or when treatment with these products fails despite their correct use, and reinfestation does not seem to be responsible, other topical treatment options include malathion, benzyl alcohol, dimethicone, spinosad and ivermectin. Wet combing should be considered for children younger than 2 years. Oral ivermectin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should be reserved for patients who do not respond to appropriate topical pediculicides. Conclusion Many topical pediculicides are effective for the treatment of pediculosis capitis. The use of some of these pediculicides is limited for safety reasons, especially in children younger than 2 years. Resistance to pediculicides, especially those with a neurotoxic mode of action, is another concern which may limit the use of some of these pediculicides. New products should be evaluated for effectiveness and safety. Wet combing is time-consuming and should not be used as the sole intervention in the general population.

Treatment Modalities of Pediculosis Capitis: A Narrative Review

“…Metal nit combs offer a higher output than plastic ones in this aspect. Additionally, moist combing has a sensitivity of 91%, making it more effective than dry combing or eye inspection for finding live lice [ 1 ]. The sensitivity of wet combing in diagnosing active infestation is better than visual inspection.…”

“…Only malathion 0.5%, a pediculicide, continues to be effective in eliminating both lice and nits [ 7 ]. The study's geographic location, seasonal changes, population age and sex, and the male-to-female ratio of about 3:1 might all have contributed to the enormous variation in reported incidence rates [ 1 ].…”

“…The human head louse, or Pediculus humanus var. capitis, which has just one human host, is the cause of the condition [ 1 ]. The disease-carrying lice, Pediculus humanus var.…”

Kombinasi Minyak Kayu Putih dan Jeruk Nipis terhadap Mortalitas Pediculus humanus capitis

“…7 Menjaga kebersihan diri (Personal hygiene) serta penggunaan pedikulosida berbahan permethrin 1%, malathion 0,5%, ekstrak pyrethrum, dimethicone, lindane, DDT, Spinosad, Abametapir, dan avermectin merupakan cara yang dapat diterapkan guna mengibati infeksi Pediculosis kapitis. 1,[8][9][10] Benzyl alcohol 5% (Ulesfia), Spinosad 0,9% suspense (Natroba), dan ivermectin 0,5% (Sklice) termasuk pengobatan terbaru yang diaplikasikan pada rambut kering hingga rambut dan kulit kepala mengalami saturasi kemudian dilakukan pembilasan setelah didiamkan selama 10 menit. 9 Penggunaan ivermectin topical 2% diketahui memiliki efek ovisidal sbesar 88% dan pedikulosida sebesar 100%.…”

Comparative efficacy of chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand and 4% dimeticone against head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis

“…To combat resistant lice, it is essential to explore treatment options utilizing medications from different classes [19]. One potential alternative is the use of physically acting agents, with dimeticone being a prominent option, particularly in regions with a high resistance rate [20]. It has been suggested that dimeticone is superior to or equally effective as neurotoxic pediculicides [21].…”