Prevention of head louse infestation: a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study of a novel concept product, 1% 1,2-octanediol spray versus placebo.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To determine whether regular use of a spray containing 1,2-octanediol 1%, which has been shown to inhibit survival of head lice, is able to work as a preventive against establishment of new infestations.

Setting

Randomised, double-blind, cross-over, community study in Cambridgeshire, UK.

Participants

63 male and female schoolchildren aged 4-16 years judged to have a high risk of recurrent infestation. Only the youngest member of a household attending school participated.

Interventions

Participants were treated to eliminate lice, randomised between 1% octanediol or placebo sprays for 6 weeks then crossed-over to the other spray for 6 weeks. Parents applied the sprays at least twice weekly or more frequently if the hair was washed. Investigators monito

SUBMITTER: Burgess IF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4039848 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature