Effectiveness of lotions based on essential oils from aromatic plants against permethrin resistant Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae). 299: 389- 392. . 2007.

GONZALEZ AUDINO P., C. VASSENA, EDUARDO ZERBA AND M. I. PICOLLO

ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Springer-Verlag

Año: 2007 vol. 299 p. 389 - 392

0340-3696

In Argentina, field populations of the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) have developed resistance to permethrin and other pyrethroids. Thus, the aim of this work was the development of a lotion containing essential oils from plants and an alcoholic coadjuvant to improve biological effect. Ethanol +isopropanol (1+1 in volume) 50% in water and ethanol 96% were taken as bases for preparation of experimental lotions containing essential oils from plants. We found that experimental lotions containing lavender, peppermint and Eucalyptus oils in a 5 % composition and the combination of Eucalyptus and peppermint in a total concentration of 10%, dissolved in 50% ethanol + isopropanol (1+1) in water, showed the best knockdown effect. On the other side, lotion containing peppermint oil and Eucalyptus oil (1+1) 10%, dissolved in ethanol 96%, showed to be as effective as the best commercial lotion now available in Argentina. Furthermore, addition of 1-dodecanol in all cases increased the effectiveness of all the experimental lotions. This difference is significantly important for 1-dodecanol concentration of 10%, reaching a toxic activity compared to the best commercial lotion available in the market. Keywords: head lice, essential oil, 1-dodecanol, knock down activity, permethrin resistant