OBJECTIVES. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are a major irritant to children and their parents around the world. Each year millions of children are infested with head lice, a condition known as pediculosis, which is responsible for tens of millions of lost school days. Head lice have evolved resistance to many of the currently used pediculicides; therefore, an effective new treatment for head lice is needed. In this study we examined the effectiveness of several methods that use hot air to kill head lice and their eggs.
METHODS. We tested 6 different treatment methods on a total of 169 infested individuals. Each method delivers hot air to the scalp in a different way. We evaluated how well these methods kill lice and their eggs in situ. We also performed follow-up inspections to evaluate whether the sixth, most successful, method can cure head louse infestations.
RESULTS. All 6 methods resulted in high egg mortality (≥88%), but they showed more-variable success in killing hatched lice. The most successful method, which used a custom-built machine called the LouseBuster, resulted in nearly 100% mortality of eggs and 80% mortality of hatched lice. The LouseBuster was effective in killing lice and their eggs when operated at a comfortable temperature, slightly cooler than a standard blow-dryer. Virtually all subjects were cured of head lice when examined 1 week after treatment with the LouseBuster. There were no adverse effects of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS. Our findings demonstrate that one 30-minute application of hot air has the potential to eradicate head lice infestations. In summary, hot air is an effective, safe treatment and one to which lice are unlikely to evolve resistance.
Comments
Finally Proof!
I have been suggesting using hot air for a number of years now, as an adjunt to other treatments. I had tried it on my grandchildren with a bonnet type dryer and it really seemed to work. Now I have some proof that the method works. I usually recommend that the parent use an oil treatment first, comb, comb, comb to get all the live lice out and then use the hot air to kill the eggs. While cleaning the environment is helpful, cleaning the head is most important. I do recomend that the parents vacumn and launder bedding and recently worn clothing.
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
Awesome
This is great news for all the school nurses who spend
hours in the treatment and prevention of head lice.
A nonchemical treatment is a method I would highly
encourage my student's families to try along with
other steps necessary to totally eradicate lice from
the home.
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
comment about louse-buster
I think that the article was encouraging, especially for low - income families. I do want to add that in the article that I read there was no mention about cleaning the house thoroughly by vacumning and washing items that can be washed. Getting rid of head lice does not just involve the head but also in - conjunction with a good house cleaning.
I do not have a subscription to your magazine but as a school nurse this interests me very much. I am currently battling pediculosis in my prek school.
Our school is funded through NYS and we have both TPK and UPK students.
Thank you, Elizabeth Thuman, RN school nurse/parent coordinator
Conflict of Interest:
None declared