Single application of 4% dimeticone liquid gel versus two applications of 1%
permethrin creme rinse for treatment of head louse infestation: a randomised
controlled trial.
Author(s): Burgess IF(1), Brunton ER, Burgess NA.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)Medical Entomology Centre, Insect Research & Development Limited, 6 Quy Court,
Colliers Lane, Stow-cum-Quy, Cambridge CB25 9AU, UK. ian@insectresearch.com
Publication date & source: 2013, BMC Dermatol. , 13:5
BACKGROUND: A previous study indicated that a single application of 4% dimeticone
liquid gel was effective in treating head louse infestation. This study was
designed to confirm this in comparison with two applications of 1% permethrin.
METHODS: We have performed a single centre parallel group, randomised,
controlled, open label, community based trial, with domiciliary visits, in
Cambridgeshire, UK. Treatments were allocated through sealed instructions derived
from a computer generated list. We enrolled 90 children and adults with confirmed
head louse infestation analysed by intention to treat (80 per-protocol after 4
drop outs and 6 non-compliant). The comparison was between 4% dimeticone liquid
gel applied once for 15 minutes and 1% permethrin creme rinse applied for 10
minutes, repeated after 7 days as per manufacturer's directions. Evaluated by
elimination of louse infestation after completion of treatment application
regimen.
RESULTS: Intention to treat comparison of a single dimeticone liquid gel
treatment with two of permethrin gave success for 30/43 (69.8%) of the dimeticone
liquid gel group and 7/47 (14.9%) of the permethrin creme rinse group (OR 13.19,
95% CI 4.69 to 37.07) (p < 0.001). Per protocol results were similar with 27/35
(77.1%) success for dimeticone versus 7/45 (15.6%) for permethrin. Analyses by
household gave essentially similar outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: The study showed one 15 minute application of 4% dimeticone liquid
gel was superior to two applications of 1% permethrin creme rinse (p < 0.001).
The low efficacy of permethrin suggests it should be withdrawn.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN88144046.
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