[Occurrence of head pediculosis and its control in children's homes in selected provinces of Poland in the years 2007-2009].

Despite civilisation development and the easy access to pediculicides, head pediculosis remains still the social, hygienic and medical problem. In the years 2007 - 2009 in children's homes in selected provinces of Poland the questionnaire survey on the occurrence of head pediculosis and its control have been conducted. From 127 orphanages 61 (48.03%) sent back fulfilled questionnaire. The infestation level ranged from 4.63% (Swietokrzyskie Province, 2009) until 17.63% (Mazowieckie Province 2007) in the surveyed children's homes. The most head pediculosis cases were observed among girls 6 - 12 years old in children's homes from all regions investigated. The profile of pediculicides used had been changed during our study: in the first year the most often pediculicides with the insecticide permethrin were used. In the next years their use decreased, but the use of herbal and silicone pediculicides increased. The efficacy of anti-louse product was the most important factor for the respondents when they choose an pediculicide.