Head lice infestation: bug busting vs. traditional treatment

The two main methods of managing head lice infestation in the UK are head l ice lotions and bug busting; there is no conclusive evidence as to which of these methods is most effective. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the bug busting m ethod with lotion. A pilot study in the form of a randomized controlled trial involving two se mirural general practices was used. Thirty children aged 4-16 years were ra ndomly assigned to two intervention groups. After initial dry combing to detect the presence of head lice, one group wa s treated with phenothrin lotion. The bug busting group received combing us ing special combs provided in the bug busting pack and hair conditioner. The main outcome measure was the number of adult live lice and nymphs at da y 14. On day 14 in the bug busting group, total eradication of head lice had occu rred in eight children; in the lotion group, total eradication had occurred in two children (P = 0.052); number needed to treat 2.5 (95% CI: 2.19-2.81 ). These results suggest that bug busting performed by nurses in a controlled situation is an effective method of managing head lice infestation.