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What's eating you? head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)
Alicia T Dagrosa1, Dirk M Elston2
1Section of Dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA.
Cutis
|January 24, 2018
Summary
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestations are common in children and can cause distress and school absences. Pyrethroid resistance necessitates new treatments like benzyl alcohol and spinosad.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Public Health
Background:
- Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are common ectoparasites causing widespread infestations in children.
- Infestations lead to significant psychosocial distress, school absenteeism, and potential secondary infections.
- Pyrethroid insecticides are standard treatments, but widespread resistance is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges posed by pyrethroid-resistant head lice.
- To highlight newer pediculicidal agents addressing treatment gaps.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of head louse infestations and treatment resistance.
- Analysis of emerging pediculicidal agents and their efficacy.
Main Results:
- Pyrethroid resistance in head lice is a significant clinical problem.
- Benzyl alcohol and spinosad represent effective alternatives to address resistance.
Conclusions:
- The development of novel treatments is crucial for managing head louse infestations.
- Benzyl alcohol and spinosad offer viable solutions for pyrethroid-resistant cases.