Head louse egg and nit remover-a modern "Quest for the Holy Grail".

ABSTRACT:

Background

The eggs of head lice are fixed to the hair of their hosts by means of a persistent glue-like fixative that is not chemically bound to the substrate. Eggshells stuck to hairs after successfully treating the infestation are a cosmetic issue and a source of misunderstanding about whether the infestation is eliminated. Hitherto, no effective treatment to loosen louse eggs and nits has been found.

Methods

An extensive screening of surface active compounds, oils, esters, and other cosmetic lubricants used a slip-peel device to measure the forces required to release the grip of the fixative. Promisingly effective compounds were formulated into suitable carriers for further testing. The most effective combination formulation was tested, as a commercial product (Hedrin St

SUBMITTER: Brunton ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6472470 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature