Abstract
Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate by videodermatoscopy the efficacy and rapidity of pediculocidal activity in 2 different products indicated in the treatment of head lice. Methods. Ten tests on 10 adult samples of pediculus humanus capitis were performed. Head lice were taken from 3 subjects with active head lice infestation and placed in 10 Petri's capsules. After an initial videodermatoscopy observation (of approximately 180 s duration) to evaluate the viability of the parasites, on 5 out of 10 a synergized pyrethrin thermophobic foam was applied; on the other 5 a coconut and anise oil based-spray was applied. Results. In all performed tests with thermophobic foam product the absence of movements of the parasites within 10 s from the contact with the product was observed, while the absence of peristalsis was noted within 60 s. On the contrary, with the essential oil based-product the parasites were alive also after a continued observation of 120 min after the application of the product. Conclusion. Our experience suggests that the videodermatoscopy is a valid researching tool to evaluate the efficacy and the time of action of topical products with pediculocidal activity.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 233-235 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia |
Volume | 141 |
Issue number | 3 |
State | Published - Jun 2006 |
Keywords
- Pediculosis, diagnosis
- Pediculosis, drug therapy
- Videodermatoscopy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology