Head lice: Ex vivo videodermatoscopy evaluation of the pediculocidal activity of two different topical products

F. Lacarrubba, B. Nardone, M. Milani*, G. Botta, G. Micali

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)233-235
Number of pages3
JournalGiornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia
Volume141
Issue number3
StatePublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • Pediculosis, diagnosis
  • Pediculosis, drug therapy
  • Videodermatoscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Head lice: Ex vivo videodermatoscopy evaluation of the pediculocidal activity of two different topical products'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this