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Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis

BACKGROUND: Pediculosis capitis is a common human parasitic infestation in childhood. This article aims to provide a narrative updated review on the management of pediculosis capitis. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed with Clinical Queries using the key terms “pediculosis capitis” OR “head lice...

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Autores principales: Leung, Alexander K C, Lam, Joseph M, Leong, Kin Fon, Barankin, Benjamin, Hon, Kam Lun
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: BioExcel Publishing Ltd 2022
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8932250/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35371269
http://dx.doi.org/10.7573/dic.2021-11-3
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author Leung, Alexander K C
Lam, Joseph M
Leong, Kin Fon
Barankin, Benjamin
Hon, Kam Lun
author_facet Leung, Alexander K C
Lam, Joseph M
Leong, Kin Fon
Barankin, Benjamin
Hon, Kam Lun
author_sort Leung, Alexander K C
collection PubMed
description BACKGROUND: Pediculosis capitis is a common human parasitic infestation in childhood. This article aims to provide a narrative updated review on the management of pediculosis capitis. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed with Clinical Queries using the key terms “pediculosis capitis” OR “head lice” OR “head louse”. The search strategy included clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and reviews published within the past 10 years. The search was restricted to articles published in English literature. The information retrieved from the search was used in the compilation of the present article. RESULTS: Topical permethrin and pyrethrin formulated with piperonyl butoxide are the pediculicides of choice in areas where resistance to these products is low. When resistance to these products is suspected based on local levels of resistance or when treatment with these products fails despite their correct use, and reinfestation does not seem to be responsible, other topical treatment options include malathion, benzyl alcohol, dimethicone, spinosad and ivermectin. Wet combing should be considered for children younger than 2 years. Oral ivermectin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should be reserved for patients who do not respond to appropriate topical pediculicides. CONCLUSION: Many topical pediculicides are effective for the treatment of pediculosis capitis. The use of some of these pediculicides is limited for safety reasons, especially in children younger than 2 years. Resistance to pediculicides, especially those with a neurotoxic mode of action, is another concern which may limit the use of some of these pediculicides. New products should be evaluated for effectiveness and safety. Wet combing is time-consuming and should not be used as the sole intervention in the general population.
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spelling pubmed-89322502022-03-31 Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis Leung, Alexander K C Lam, Joseph M Leong, Kin Fon Barankin, Benjamin Hon, Kam Lun Drugs Context Review BACKGROUND: Pediculosis capitis is a common human parasitic infestation in childhood. This article aims to provide a narrative updated review on the management of pediculosis capitis. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed with Clinical Queries using the key terms “pediculosis capitis” OR “head lice” OR “head louse”. The search strategy included clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and reviews published within the past 10 years. The search was restricted to articles published in English literature. The information retrieved from the search was used in the compilation of the present article. RESULTS: Topical permethrin and pyrethrin formulated with piperonyl butoxide are the pediculicides of choice in areas where resistance to these products is low. When resistance to these products is suspected based on local levels of resistance or when treatment with these products fails despite their correct use, and reinfestation does not seem to be responsible, other topical treatment options include malathion, benzyl alcohol, dimethicone, spinosad and ivermectin. Wet combing should be considered for children younger than 2 years. Oral ivermectin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should be reserved for patients who do not respond to appropriate topical pediculicides. CONCLUSION: Many topical pediculicides are effective for the treatment of pediculosis capitis. The use of some of these pediculicides is limited for safety reasons, especially in children younger than 2 years. Resistance to pediculicides, especially those with a neurotoxic mode of action, is another concern which may limit the use of some of these pediculicides. New products should be evaluated for effectiveness and safety. Wet combing is time-consuming and should not be used as the sole intervention in the general population. BioExcel Publishing Ltd 2022-03-14 /pmc/articles/PMC8932250/ /pubmed/35371269 http://dx.doi.org/10.7573/dic.2021-11-3 Text en Copyright © 2022 Leung AKC, Lam JM, Leong KF, Barankin B, Hon KL. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Published by Drugs in Context under Creative Commons License Deed CC BY NC ND 4.0 which allows anyone to copy, distribute, and transmit the article provided it is properly attributed in the manner specified below. No commercial use without permission.
spellingShingle Review
Leung, Alexander K C
Lam, Joseph M
Leong, Kin Fon
Barankin, Benjamin
Hon, Kam Lun
Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis
title Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis
title_full Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis
title_fullStr Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis
title_full_unstemmed Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis
title_short Paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis
title_sort paediatrics: how to manage pediculosis capitis
topic Review
url https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8932250/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35371269
http://dx.doi.org/10.7573/dic.2021-11-3
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