The Efficacy of Two Non-traditional Methods for Prevention and Treatment of Head Lice: A South Australian Case Study

Here we report the results of two studies undertaken because of anecdotal evidence that non-traditional treatment methods were being employed to treat head lice. In the first, we assessed the efficacy of hairspray and gel in preventing head lice infestation and found that there was a preventative effect in using hair products applied daily. In the second study we compared the efficacy of two treatments, one a commonly recommended pediculicide and one a so-called 'natural' treatment. It was found that the extract/oil treatment was more effective than the malathion based treatment, possibly as a result of head lice becoming resistant to more traditional treatments. Additionally, our data suggest that regular checking for head lice coupled with immediate responsive treatment plays a major role in reducing the level of pediculosis in schools.