Comparative Effectiveness of Oral Ivermectin, 1% Permethrin Shampoo, and 4% Dimethicone Liquid Gel in Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis among School Children in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand
Randomized trial compares treatment effectiveness for head lice in school children, indicating ivermectin is significantly more effective.
Key Points
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oral ivermectin compared to permethrin and dimethicone in treating pediculosis capitis among school children.
Conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial with 85 female participants aged 6-13.
Participants received one of three treatments: oral ivermectin, 1% permethrin shampoo, or 4% dimethicone.
Primary outcome measured was the cure rate on Day 9 after treatment.
Oral ivermectin had a cure rate of 95.5% (21/22), significantly higher than permethrin's 37.0% (10/27) and dimethicone's 29.4% (5/17) (P<0.001).
Dimethicone showed high initial clearance (88.2%) but a reinfestation rate of 58.8% by Day 9.
Adverse events were mild and temporary across all treatment groups.