Treatment of pediculosis capitis with thiabendazole: a pilot study

Treatment of pediculosis capitis with topical albendazole

Pediculosis capitis, or head lice infestation, caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is a common and ubiquitous health concern. Increasing resistance and treatment failures are reported with available topical pediculicides and may prove challenging to manage. Recent data indicate that the oral anti-helmintic agents thiabendazole and albendazole could represent new therapeutic options against pediculosis capitis. We report a novel treatment modality in four patients with head lice who were successfully treated with a topical application of albendazole.

Control of head lice: past, present and future

Pediculosis capitis is common among children. Rapid and accurate detection is an underlying principle of effective control and the use of a fine-tooth comb in wet, conditioned hair is most sensitive. However, none of the available treatments are fully effective. Of the current pediculicides available over the counter in the UK, those based on malathion are more effective than pyrethroids. Carbaryl is likely to be the most effective insecticide but is only available on prescription. Wet combing with conditioner has proven to be as effective as some over-the-counter lotions for unsupervised use in the home. There are several promising candidates for new insecticidal actives that are likely to be highly effective for a new generation of pediculicides, as well as a variety of unconventional novel treatments.

Scabies, pediculosis, bedbugs, and stinkbugs: uncommon presentations

Parasitic agents determine some of the most common skin disorders. Although well known, they could present different manifestations or be modified by individual or external factors that make their diagnosis or treatment difficult. This review will discuss some of the most prevalent parasitic infections, scabies, and pediculosis and also mention reactions determined by contact with certain insects that, although rarely found, could induce important skin reactions.