Anti lice treatments

Pediculoses are frequent and ubiquitous cutaneous ectoparasitoses, currently subject to recrudescence, especially located on the scalp. Anti-lice treatments must be active on lice, but especially on nits. Natural or synthetic pyrethrins and organophosphorus compounds (malathion) are the products most frequently used. Resistance to these products is starting to appear, accounting for certain treatment failures. In practice, the current official recommendations in France advise a change of pharmacological class in the case of failure of well conducted anti-lice treatment. Lotions are currently the most appropriate pharmaceutical form. The benefit-risk ratio of aerosols (pressurized products) has been recently re-evaluated due to death of an asthmatic child (probable bronchospasm). The French Medicinal Product Agency, on the advice of the National Pharmacovigilance Commission, has therefore decided to contraindicate aerosols in this clinical context. Prophylaxis is essentially based on good information and early detection of infested subjects. The preventive role of anti-lice shampoos has never been formally demonstrated. The prophylactic value of repellents and residual products is unclear.