A comparison of two insecticidal shampoos in the treatment of head louse infection.

The efficacy and tolerability of a phenothrin liquid shampoo was compared with a carbaryl shampoo in 50 children with head lice infection. Twenty-five children were treated with a phenothrin liquid shampoo and 25 with a carbaryl shampoo. Each treatment was applied on three occasions at three-day intervals. Reinspection two weeks after initiation of treatment revealed two apparent treatment failures in the carbaryl group and one in the phenothrin group. No side effects were reported for either treatment. It is concluded that phenothrin liquid shampoo is a safe and effective treatment for head louse infection and is therefore a useful addition to those insecticides currently employed.