New formulation of dimeticone tackles head lice infestation, with less risk of irritation
A new formulation of dimeticone has been found to cure head lice infestation and cause less irritation than existing treatments.
Researchers randomised 253 people aged four to 39 years who had head
lice to treatment with dimeticone lotion 4 per cent,
applied for eight hours or overnight, or phenothrin liquid 0.5 per cent
applied for 12 hours or overnight. The applications were repeated seven
days later.
They found that 89 of 127 participants treated with dimeticone were cured
of their infestation versus 94 of 125 participants treated with phenothrin.
Of these, reinfestation occurred in six people in the dimeticone group
and seven in the phenothrin group. This represents a positive outcome
for 70 per cent of the dimeticone group and 75 per cent of the phenothrin
group. Irritant reactions occurred less often in the dimeticone group.
The researchers say that dimeticone’s efficacy, lack of odour and
relative ease of use make it a viable alternative to conventional treatments.
The researchers explain that dimeticone lotion contains long-chain linear
silicone in a volatile silicone base. It differs from dimeticone used
for infant colic, which is composed of shorter chains. They add that
in vitro studies have shown that dimeticone acts against head lice by
coating them and disrupting their ability to manage water. They note
that because dimeticone’s action on lice is physical, it should
not be affected by resistance.
The article is published on BMJ Online First |
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