Wet Combing Four Times More Effective than Chemical Treatments for Head Lice
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
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
