[The in vivo pediculicidal efficac of Prioderm Cream Shampoo formulation].

BACKGROUND

Head louse infestations are prevalent worldwide. Over the past 20-25 years, 15-20% of all children in Israel between 4 and 13 years of age have been infested with head lice. This is mainly due to the existence of ineffective pediculicides on the market.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the pediculicidal efficacy and safety of Prioderm Cream Shampoo in an open clinical study.

METHODS

The active ingredient of Prioderm Cream Shampoo is malathion (1%) and it was applied to the hair of infested children three times for 10 minutes at 5-day intervals.

RESULTS

Of 419 children examined, aged 6-14 years, from four schools in Jerusalem, 109 (26.0%) were infested with lice and eggs, while 110 (26.3%) were infested only with nits. All 109 louse-infested children were included in the study while 86 (78.8%) complied with the instructions for use. Treatment was successful in 79 children (91.8%), while failure was observed in 3 children after the first treatment and in 4 children after the third treatment. Although 21.5% of the children disliked the odor of the product, there were no significant side effects related to this formulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The product was very effective in controlling louse infestations under clinical conditions and caused no serious side effects.