Review: International recommendations for an effective control of head louse infestations

KOSTA Y. MUMCUOGLU ; PICOLLO MARIA INES

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2021 vol. 60 p. 272 - 280

0011-9059

Head louse infestations continue to be a concern of public health in most countries,including the most developed ones. The present recommendations are intended to informand stress the role and impact of the different authorities, institutions, industry, and thepublic in the control of head lice in order to reduce the prevalence of this parasite. Weencourage health authorities to pursue more effective methods to correctly identify suchinfestations, and evaluate existing and new pediculicides, medical devices, louserepellents, and louse- and nit-removal remedies. Pediculicides and medical devices musthave verifiable claims in the instructions for use and should be tested periodically todocument current levels of resistance by lice to the active ingredients and to theformulated products. Where the prevalence of lice is claimed to be epidemic, childrenshould be periodically evaluated objectively to document the actual level of prevalence.Continuing education for health providers and the general population promises to correctmisinformation regarding the biology, prevention, and management of lice. Parents shouldregularly inspect their children for head lice and treat as necessary. Health authorities areencouraged to eliminate policies and practices that rely upon school exclusion as a meansto reduce incidence and prevalence, e.g., the ?no-nit? policy which lacks scientificjustification, and are counterproductive to the health and welfare of children