Effectiveness of Topical 0.5% Ivermectin Shampoo in the Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis among School-going Female Children

Abstract

Background: Pediculosis is a common ectoparasitic infestation in children. There are different treatment modalities that have been used in the treatment of pediculosis capitis from time immemorial, each with their own shortcomings. Increasing emergence of resistance to permethrin has led to the lookout for newer alternatives. Aims and Objectives: The role of topical ivermectin in the management of pediculosis in people with culturally different hair grooming practices is analyzed in this study. Materials and Methods: This observational open-label clinical study was conducted in September–November 2019 in the schools that were under the rural health center at South India among school-going female children aged between 13 and 16 years of age and diagnosed with pediculosis. Results: This study demonstrated that a single application of ivermectin shampoo was able to kill head lice in 86.2% of the participants. In participants with persistent infection (13.8%), a repeat application killed the entire louse and 100% efficacy was demonstrated. Topical ivermectin is devoid of systemic side effects of oral ivermectin. Topical ivermectin has found to be more effective than contemporary recommended agents such as malathion and permethrin.

Treatment Modalities of Pediculosis Capitis: A Narrative Review

“…Ivermectin used topically prevents the negative effects associated with oral therapy. It investigated how topical ivermectin is used to treat pediculosis in individuals with various ethnic hair care practices [ 11 ]. Patients with pediculosis pubis may get oral ivermectin as a second-line therapy (with the exception of children who weigh less than 15 kg, and who shouldn't receive ivermectin).…”