Single blind, randomised, comparative study of the Bug Buster kit and over the counter pediculicide treatments against head lice in the United Kingdom

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2005
Authors:N. Hill, Moor, G., Cameron, M. M., Butlin, A., Preston, S., Williamson, M. S., Bass, C.
Journal:British Medical Journal
Volume:331
Issue:7513
Pagination:384 - 387
Date Published:2005
Keywords:adolescent, animals, child, Child, Preschool, Comparative Study, Drugs, Non-Prescription, hair, humans, hygiene, Infant, insecticide, Lice Infestations/prevention & control, Malathion, Pediculus, Permethrin, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, risk factors, scalp dermatoses, Single-Blind Method, Treatment Outcome
Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of the Bug Buster kit with a single treatment of over the counter pediculicides for eliminating head lice. DESIGN: Single blind, multicentre, randomised, comparative clinical study. SETTING: Four counties in England and one county in Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: 133 young people aged 2-15 years with head louse infestation: 56 were allocated to the Bug Buster kit and 70 to pediculicide treatment. INTERVENTIONS: Home use of proprietary pediculicides (organophosphate or pyrethroid) or the Bug Buster kit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence of head lice 2-4 days after end of treatment: day 5 for the pediculicides and day 15 for the Bug Buster kit. RESULTS: The cure rate using the Bug Buster kit was significantly greater than that for the pediculicides (57% v 13%; relative risk 4.4, 95% confidence interval 2.3 to 8.5). Number needed to treat for the Bug Buster kit compared with the pediculicides was 2.26. CONCLUSION: The Bug Buster kit was the most effective over the counter treatment for head louse infestation in the community when compared with pediculicides.

URL:https://www.bmj.com/content/331/7513/384
DOI:10.1136/bmj.38537.468623.E0
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