A clinical evaluation of the use of decamethrin in the treatment of pediculus of the scalp

Abstract

Fifty four children showing Pediculus humanus capitis infestation were treated with decamethrin, a synthetic pyrethoid inseticide. Decamethrin emulsion of 0.0025 mg/ml was used in a single topical treatment or repeated if the infestation signs were still present after 8 days. The results were considered positive for 98.2% of subjects after 16 days of treatment. Twenty eight children, i.e. 47.4%, had no more signs of head lice and the others still presented at the end of evaluation the presence of unviable ova of Pediculus humanus capitis. Toxicity was evaluated by clinical examination of the subjects with head lice and of those people who had participated in the treatment and whose skin had been in contact with the emulsion. No adverse reaction was reported. Since decamethrin has been showed effective in the treatment of head lice, with no signs of toxicity, and also because of its low cost, the author concluded that decamethrin in useful for the control of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation.