New Options for Eradicating Resistant Head Lice
New Options for Eradicating Resistant Head Lice
Three new topical treatments for the eradication of head lice have been approved by the FDA since 2009. These prescription-only products, with their different mechanisms of action, are targeted at difficult to treat or resistant cases. All have been shown to be more effective than placebo and all have relatively mild adverse effect profiles. Comparison studies are lacking, with only spinosad having been tested against permethrin. While they are expensive and not likely to be needed for most children with head lice, these agents provide new options when traditional therapies do not provide complete eradication or are not tolerated.
Summary
Three new topical treatments for the eradication of head lice have been approved by the FDA since 2009. These prescription-only products, with their different mechanisms of action, are targeted at difficult to treat or resistant cases. All have been shown to be more effective than placebo and all have relatively mild adverse effect profiles. Comparison studies are lacking, with only spinosad having been tested against permethrin. While they are expensive and not likely to be needed for most children with head lice, these agents provide new options when traditional therapies do not provide complete eradication or are not tolerated.