The methodology and operation of a pilot randomized control trial of the effectiveness of the Bug Busting method against a single application insecticide product for head louse treatment

A Department of Health leaflet suggests two treatment methods for head lice : mechanical removal by wet combing; and insecticide lotion/rinses. However , there are no reports in the literature comparing the effectiveness of the se two treatment methods and well controlled clinical trials of insecticide treatments are sparse. A pilot randomized control trial of the effectivene ss of a specific method of wet combing, 'Bug Busting', against a single app lication of a proprietary insecticide product is reported. The difficulties of designing a trial are discussed and modifications that would allow a de finitive trial to take place are suggested. The pilot study included enzyme analysis of lice for insecticide resistance status assessment.