Treatment of human head lice infestations in a single application with a new galenic lotion.

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of a new galenic meta-emulsion for the treatment of human head lice (Pediculus capitis) in a single application. A controlled clinical study was conducted comparing lice infestation and nit hatching observed before and after a treatment in a single application. Eighty-two of the 87 children included completed the study. An infestation control was performed on 36 and 46 children, 8 and 24 h respectively after application. Five days later, a meticulous hair examination was carried out to check that the lice infestation was completely cured. After a single application of the lotion being tested, an examination of the scalp with a head lice detection comb, as well as an examination of the rinsing water and the towel used for drying after washing, showed that out of the total 1285 lice, there were no live lice. The percentage of nits hatching before treatment was close to 70%. In comparison, after an 8-h treatment (t(+8)), the percentage of nits hatching was 2.1%, with only 0.35% of living nymphs. After a 24-h treatment (t(+24)), 1.9% hatched with 0.38% living nymphs. Nymphs were revealed to be non-viable. After 5 days (t(+120)), no living adult or immature lice were found on the subjects tested. Moreover, observation of tolerance levels to this treatment at days 1, 5 and 12 showed no side effects. The specific galenic lotion completely cured head lice infestation in the population studied in a single application. The lotion, a patented meta-emulsion, has a mechanical action that asphyxiates lice and nits. Considering the advantages of the single application, the possibility of complete concomitant therapeutics for a whole school population within only 1 day and the high level of tolerance to this treatment, this approach seems simple and promising.

[Tests for evaluating the effectiveness of pediculicides: importance and limitations]. / Tests d'évaluation de l'efficacité des pédiculicides : intérêt et limites.

The obligation to prove pediculicides efficacy is relatively recent. Two tests are required by the authorities to obtain registration. In vitro test (with Pediculus humanus humanus) is the first step to evaluate the efficacy of new molecules. It must be followed by bio-clinical tests (with infested children by Pediculus humanus capitis). For those tests the authors advise to respect the "three units rule": unit of time (no more than 2 days for the test), unit of place (same environment) and unit of action (only one team to apply and evaluate products). This type of tests is possible only in countries with high infestation (at least 60% of prevalence). A third test is consequently advised, the ex vivo test using Pediculus humanus capitis obtained from infested children in France. This test can be useful also to re-evaluate current products in the light of increased resistance or decreased sensitivity of the lice. Finally some other tests can be advised to prove some other activities like remanence or repellent properties or to estimated lice resistance.

[Scalp pediculosis and its treatment: bioclinical trials of different pediculicides and repellents in Antananarivo]. / La pédiculose du cuir chevelu et son traitement: essais bio-cliniques de différents pédiculicides, lenticides et répulsifs à Antananarivo.

After a recall of different existing kinds of louse, pediculicides and their mode of action, the authors report the bio-clinical trials they carried out in Antananarivo using different associations and galenic forms of medicines. The objectives of these studies on the treatment of scalp pediculosis is either the development of efficient insecticides or the application for the official permit of sale.