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Managing Head Lice in an Era of Increasing Resistance to Insecticides

  • Therapy in Practice
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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Head lice are present in all age groups, however, the peak age for infestation is 7–8 years and the incidence varies throughout the year with higher incidence during the winter. Different insecticides have been used over the past 60 years to manage this condition. There is now strong evidence of insecticide resistance established in many countries to such an extent that some of these chemicals have become obsolete. Resistance to some pediculicides can vary from country to country and region to region within a country. The lack of a local monitoring system of resistance patterns means that parents and pupils are hampered in making an informed decision regarding how to treat head lice. One should no longer assume that treatment failure is due to poor treatment compliance or re-infestation. Clear treatment guidelines drawn up by healthcare professionals with an interest in head lice and taking into account regional/national resistance patterns should be implemented. These guidelines should combine chemical and non-chemical approaches to treatment and be coordinated and regularly reviewed by local public health departments. Drug companies should be made to provide up-to-date efficacy of their products.

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Acknowledgments

The views of this author are wholly independent. There was no funding used to assist in the preparation of this manuscript. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

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  1. Department of Dermatology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, England, UK

    Anthony M.R. Downs

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Downs, A.M. Managing Head Lice in an Era of Increasing Resistance to Insecticides. Am J Clin Dermatol 5, 169–177 (2004). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200405030-00005

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