Fine combing of wet hair is far more effective than current over the counter chemical treatments for eliminating head lice, shows research published online by the British Medical Journal.
Head lice are parasites that usually infest the scalps of school-age children. Current treatments include over-the-counter insecticide products or fine tooth combing of wet hair using a specially developed Bug Buster kit. However, chemical resistance is a problem, while wet combing is unproved as a treatment.
The study involved 126 young people with head louse infestation: 56 were allocated to the Bug Buster kit and 70 to insecticide treatments. Presence of head lice was assessed two to four days after the end of treatment.
Questionnaires to determine compliance and satisfaction with treatment and to obtain background information were also completed.
The Bug Buster kit was four times more effective than chemical products for eliminating head lice (57 percent cure rate vs. 13 percent), suggesting that the kit is a viable alternative to over the counter insecticide treatments, say the authors.
Some may consider that the cure rate of only 57 percent detected with the Bug Buster kit is still unacceptable and may not provide an efficient treatment against head lice. At present there are no readily available products that provide fully effective control of head lice, and there is an urgent need to identify safe, novel insecticides of proved efficacy, they conclude.
Source: British Medical Journal
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
May 7th 2025Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.