Abstract | BACKGROUND: There are many different types of pediculicides available OTC in Australia. In this study we compare the efficacy and safety of three topical pediculicides: a pediculicide containing melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) and lavender oil (TTO/LO); a head lice " suffocation" product; and a product containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (P/PB). METHOD: This study was a randomised, assessor-blind, comparative, parallel study of 123 subjects with live head lice. The head lice products were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions (the TTO/LO product and the " suffocation" product were applied three times at weekly intervals according to manufacturers instructions (on Day 0, Day 7 and Day 14) and the P/PB product was applied twice according to manufacturers instructions (on Day 0 and Day 7)). The presence or absence of live lice one day following the last treatment was determined. RESULTS: The percentage of subjects who were louse-free one day after the last treatment with the product containing tea tree oil and lavender oil (41/42; 97.6%) and the head lice " suffocation" product (40/41, 97.6%) was significantly higher compared to the percentage of subjects who were louse-free one day after the last treatment with the product containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (10/40, 25.0%; adj. p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The high efficacy of the TTO/LO product and the head lice " suffocation" product offers an alternative to the pyrethrins-based product. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was entered into the Australian/New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12610000179033.
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Authors | Stephen C Barker, Phillip M Altman |
Journal | BMC dermatology
(BMC Dermatol)
Vol. 10
Pg. 6
(Aug 20 2010)
ISSN: 1471-5945 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 20727129
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Infective Agents, Local
- Insecticides
- Oils, Volatile
- Pesticide Synergists
- Plant Oils
- Pyrethrins
- Tea Tree Oil
- Piperonyl Butoxide
- lavender oil
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Topics |
- Animals
- Anti-Infective Agents, Local
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Asphyxia
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Double-Blind Method
- Humans
- Insecticides
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Lavandula
- Lice Infestations
(drug therapy)
- Oils, Volatile
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Pediculus
(drug effects)
- Pesticide Synergists
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Piperonyl Butoxide
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Plant Oils
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Pyrethrins
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Tea Tree Oil
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Treatment Outcome
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