BMJ  2005;331 (13 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7513.0-d

Bug busting kit of combs increases eradication of head lice

The Bug Buster kit of fine tooth combs, used over two weeks, more effectively eradicates head lice than a single treatment of pediculicides malathion and permethrin bought over the counter. In a single blind randomised controlled trial, Hill and colleagues (p 384) recruited 133 people aged 2-15 through general practices, pharmacies, and primary schools. They assessed eradication rates at two to four days after the end of treatment. Of those who used the Bug Buster kit 57% had no lice or eggs compared with 13% using pediculicides (relative risk 4.4%, 95% confidence interval 2.3 to 8.5%). The Bug Buster regimen comprises four sequential combings on wet, conditioned hair, three days apart.

Credit: CDC/DENNIS D JURANEK

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Relevant Article

Single blind, randomised, comparative study of the Bug Buster kit and over the counter pediculicide treatments against head lice in the United Kingdom

N Hill, G Moor, M M Cameron, A Butlin, S Preston, M S Williamson, and C Bass
BMJ 2005 331: 384-387. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]