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Head lice infestation: bug busting vs. traditional treatment
L Plastow1, M Luthra, R Powell
1Institute of Health Studies, University of Plymouth, Exeter. eplastow@plymouth.ac.uk
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|February 2, 2002
Summary
Bug busting, a method for managing head lice, proved more effective than medicated lotions in a pilot study. This controlled trial suggests bug busting is a successful head lice treatment for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Head lice infestations are common in children.
- Current management strategies include medicated lotions and the bug busting method.
- Evidence comparing the effectiveness of these treatments is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of the bug busting method versus phenothrin lotion for head lice management.
- To evaluate head lice eradication rates at 14 days post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 children (aged 4-16 years) in two general practices.
- Participants were assigned to either the bug busting group (combing with conditioner) or the lotion group (phenothrin lotion).
- Outcomes were assessed by counting live lice and nymphs at day 14.
Main Results:
- Total eradication of head lice occurred in 8 out of 15 children in the bug busting group compared to 2 out of 15 in the lotion group (P=0.052).
- The number needed to treat for bug busting was 2.5 (95% CI: 2.19-2.81).
Conclusions:
- Bug busting, when performed by nurses in a controlled setting, is an effective method for managing head lice infestations.
- This pilot study suggests bug busting may be superior to phenothrin lotion for head lice eradication.