Head lice treatment with two interventions: Pediculosis capitis profile in female schoolchildren of a rural setting in the south of Iran

Abstract

Background: Previous research suggests that certain communities, including rural residents, exhibit endemic infestations which can be prevented by banned interventions such as the use of certain chlorinated lice-killing chemicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate two different treatments on head lice among primary school girls of Lar, Fars Province, south of Iran. Patients and Methods: Lindane (1%) or permethrin (1%) shampoos were used on two groups who were treated for live head lice after screening with plastic lice detection combs at schools. A questionnaire form on the epidemiologic factors was included. The outcomes were followed up for 2 weeks from the initial treatment on days 2, 6, 9, and 14. Data analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis tests. A P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: From 2,084 students examined, 82 girls (3.93%) were infested with pediculosis. No significant correlation was found between head lice infestation level and hair length, hair style, itching, family size, education grade, and age. The data on days 2, 6, 9, and 14 from permethrin and lindane treatments were 71.8%, 64.1%, 89.7%, and 89.7% versus 92.5%, 92.5%, 97.5%, and 95%, respectively. On days 2 (P = 0.017) and 6 (P = 0.002) after treatment, significant differences were noted on reexamination of the cases. Only one reinfestation case was identified during the treatment period. The level of insensitivity to permethrin was twice that of lindane at the end of this period. Conclusion: The level of cure in treated students was similar for both shampoos. Lindane swiftly acted to reduce the level of infested cases by the second day.