Prevalence and predictors of pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Hulu Langat, Selangor

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis infestation is endemic in both developing and developed countries leading to various physical, economical and psychological consequences. Our main objective was to determine the prevalence and predictors of pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Hulu Langat District, Malaysia. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study using cluster random sampling method was carried out in Hulu Langat District, Malaysia. Self-administered pretested questionnaires were used to collect the data. Hair and scalp examination was also carried out. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for potential confounding and determine the predictors. Results: The overall mean age of the 1,336 respondents was 9.3 years. Majority were males (52.8%), Malays (79.5%) and 81.3% of the fathers had secondary or tertiary education as compared to 77.3% for the mothers. The overall prevalence of pediculosis capitis was 15.3%. The prevalence of pediculosis was significantly higher among females (28.4%) than males (3.7%, p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age 10 years or more (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.34, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.673 to 3.272), female gender (OR = 10.26, 95% CI = 6.620 to 15.903), history of contact with an infested person (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.506 to 2.960), Indian compared to Chinese (OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.282 to 9.860), Malay to Chinese (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = .994 to 6.774) were associated with pediculosis capitis. Conclusions: Prevalence of pediculosis capitis among children aged 7 - 12 years in Hulu Langat District was high. There is a need for screening and treatment of pediculosis capitis in primary schools.

Efecto pediculicida de una formulación en base a Eucaliptus globulus L / Pediculicide effect of a Eucaliptus globulus L formulation

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis is a public health problem with a high prevalence. The emergence of parasite resistance to conventional pediculicide is of great concern worldwide. Objective: To develop alternatives pediculicide, effective and safe, based on the essential oil of Eucaliptus globulus. Method: Through bioassays active concentrations ranges of the essential oil were established, and proceeded to develop a standardized, stable, pharmaceutical form, evaluating its effects on our population. Results: The results showed 100% effectiveness; short time of death, ovicidal action, activity on the adhesion of the egg, and low toxicity. Discussion: In addition to great effect, the inability of the parasite to become resistant to the chemical composition of the essential oil makes this formulation an alternative to the problem of head lice solution.

Introducción: La pediculosis capitis es un problema de salud pública con una alta prevalencia. La aparición de resistencia del parásito a los pediculicidas convencionales es de gran preocupación a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Desarrollar alternativas pediculicidas, efectivas y seguras, en base al aceite esencial de Eucaliptus globulus. Método: A través de bioensayos se establecieron rangos de concentraciones activas del aceite esencial, y se procedió al desarrollo de una forma farmacéutica, estandarizada, estable, evaluando sus efectos en nuestra población. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron 100% de efectividad; corto tiempo de muerte, acción ovicida, actividad sobre la adherencia del huevo, y baja toxicidad. Discusión: Además de la gran efectividad, la imposibilidad del parásito de adquirir resistencia a la composición química del aceite esencial hace de esta formulación una solución alternativa al problema de la pediculosis.

Pediculosis de la cabeza en escolares de Ciudad Bolívar, estado Bolívar, Venezuela / Headlice in schoolchildren from Ciudad Bolívar, Bolívar state, Venezuela

Entre abril y julio de 2013 se realizó un estudio de tipo transversal, para determinar la prevalencia de pediculosis de la cabeza en niños de 6-15 años, matriculados en cuatro escuelas de Ciudad Bolívar, estado Bolívar, Venezuela. El diagnóstico parasitológico se realizó por observación directa de huevos, ninfas y/o adultos sobre el cuero cabelludo y/o el pelo. Se llenó una ficha clínico-epidemiológica a cada participante previa firma del consentimiento informado por parte de padres o representantes. Se evaluaron 697 niños (40,3%) de los 1730 escolares matriculados, determinándose una prevalencia de 25,1% (175/697). Las niñas resultaron significativamente más infectadas (42,4%) (OR: 9,35 p<0,05). Todos los grupos de edad fueron afectados (χ² (corrección de Yates)=6,90 g.l.: 4 p>0,05) aunque predominó el grupo de 8-11 años. Los factores asociados a una mayor prevalencia de pediculosis de la cabeza fueron: el género femenino (OR: 9,35 p<0,05), haber padecido anteriormente la enfermedad (OR: 5,76 p<0,05) y tener el pelo largo (OR: 7,12 p<0,05) y sucio (OR: 2,20 p<0,05). En conclusión, aunque la prevalencia de pediculosis de la cabeza fue relativamente baja (25,1%), se verifica que esta parasitosis sigue siendo un problema médico importante en escolares de Ciudad Bolívar.

Between April and July 2013 a cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of headlice in children aged 6-15 years enrolled in four schools in Ciudad Bolívar, Bolivar State, Venezuela. The parasitological diagnosis was made by direct observation of eggs, nymphs and/ or adults on the scalp and/or hair. After signing the informed consent, we filled a clinical and epidemiologic record to each participant. 697 children (40.3%) of the 1730 school enrollment were evaluated, determining a prevalence of 25.1% (175/697). Girls were significantly more infected (42.4%) (OR: 9.35 p<0.05). All age groups were affected (χ2 (Yates correction) = 6.90 d.f.: 4 p> 0.05), but the group of 8-11 years was predominant (70.3%). Factors associated with a higher prevalence of headlice were female (OR: 9.35 p<0.05), having previously had the disease (OR: 5.76 p<0.05) and have long hair (OR: 7.12 p<0.05) and dirty (OR: 2.20 p<0.05). In conclusion, although the headlice prevalence was relatively low (25.1%), we verified that this parasitoses remains a major medical problem in schoolchildren in Ciudad Bolivar.

Pediculosis Capitis Misdiagnosed as Seborrheic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Pediculosis Capitis Misdiagnosed as Seborrheic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Efficacy and safety of petroleum jelly versus permethrin 1% shampoo in the treatment of Prediculosis capitis: An assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The high rates of infestation, treatment failures and treatment costs have created the search for new therapies againts head lice. OBJECTIVE: We compared the efficacy and safety of scalp occlusion with petroleum jelly (PJ) versus permethrin 1% shampoo against Pediculus humanus capitis among school-aged children METHOD: Seventy-seven children were diagnosed with Pediculosis capitis. Thirty-eight subjects did eight-hour scalp occlusion with PJ, and 39 used permethrin shampoo, both followed by nit combing. Treatments were applied once weekly for three consecutive weeks. Patients were assessed at weeks 1,2,3 and 11. The primary outcome was the proportion of cured subjects and change in quality of life (QOL) scores om week 3 of follow-up. Cure was defined as the absence of variable lice on the hair/scalp or nits on the hair shaft attached within one centimeter from the scalp on visual examination.Secondary outcomes were relapse rate at week 11 ,cosmetic acceptability and adverse events. Effects on QOL were measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index at baseline and at the end of the third week of treatment. RESULTS: At Week 3, cure achieved in 47% (18/38) in PJ group 52% (17/33) in permethrin group (RRR 6.7%, 95% Cl: -40.4% to 38%). Relapse rate in the 12th week were 44% (8/18) and 58% (10/17), respectively (p=0.486, Fisher's test ). The differences in treatment effects were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Petroleum jelly scalp occlusion was comparable in cure rates to permethrin. PJ can be a safe, affordable alternative to permethrin as a pediculicide.

Epidemiology of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the prevalence of infestation with head lice in primary schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The present study was to determine the head lice infestation (Pediculosis) levels in primary schoolchildren, during May, 2011 to July, 2011, A total of 3 747 schoolchildren aged 5-12 years old from 12 selected primary school of Ladkrabang district, the eastern area of Bangkok were examined for head lice. Pediculosis was defined as the presence of at least on living adult, nymph and viable egg.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall head lice infestation rate was 23.32% and infestation rate was higher in girls (47.12%) than in boys (0%). The infestation rate among schoolchildren varied from 12.62% to 29.76%. The infestation rate among girls varied from 26.07% (12 years old group) to 55.89% (8 years old group).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Pediculosis is a common public health problem affecting primary schoolchildren in eastern area of Bangkok and those levels are epidemic importance.</p>

Epidemiology of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand

Objective: To determine the prevalence of infestation with head lice in primary schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: The present study was to determine the head lice infestation (Pediculosis) levels in primary schoolchildren, during May, 2011 to July, 2011, A total of 3 747 schoolchildren aged 5-12 years old from 12 selected primary school of Ladkrabang district, the eastern area of Bangkok were examined for head lice. Pediculosis was defined as the presence of at least on living adult, nymph and viable egg. Results: The overall head lice infestation rate was 23.32% and infestation rate was higher in girls (47.12%) than in boys (0%). The infestation rate among schoolchildren varied from 12.62% to 29.76%. The infestation rate among girls varied from 26.07% (12 years old group) to 55.89% (8 years old group). Conclusions:Pediculosis is a common public health problem affecting primary schoolchildren in eastern area of Bangkok and those levels are epidemic importance.

Randomized, assessor-blind, controlled clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of aromatic oil (10% eucalyptus oil, 10% lavender oil, 10% rosemary oil) shampoo versus 1% permethrin shampoo in the treatment of pediculosis capitis

BACKGROUND: Permethrin shampoo is currently the first-line treatment for pediculosis capitis. However, its widespread use has resulted in the development of resistance.OBJECTIVE: To compare aromatic oil shampoo and 1% permethrin shampoo in terms of efficacy and safetyMETHOD: One hundred fifty-hour patients with active infestation were treated in this randomized, assessor-blind, controlled trial using aromatic oil or permethrin shampoo, applied once weekly for three weeks. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and a week after shampoo application. Complete cure was defined as the absence of live louse on day 21.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of complete cure, changes in patient's quality of life and pruritus at day 21. Neither group reported any diverse effects.CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of the aromatic oil shampoo was comparable to that of 1%permethrin shampoo in treating pediculosis capitis.

Prevalence of pediculosis capitis in children from a rural school in Yucatan, Mexico / Prevalência de pediculose em crianças de escola rural em Yucatan, Mexico

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with active head lice infestation. In total 140 children, aged 6 to 16-years, from a public school in rural Yucatan, Mexico, were examined by wet-combing. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on individuals and the conditions in the surrounding environment. Head lice infestation was found in 19 out of the 140 children tested (13.6 percent) and this was associated with both lower income (OR 9.9, 95 percent CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) and a higher frequency of hair washing (OR 8, 95 percent CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Intersectoral control programs that take into account the socioeconomic differences of children should be implemented.

Foi conduzido um estudo numa escola publica de área rural em Yucatan, Mexico com o objetivo de estimar a prevalência de pediculose e fatores de risco associados. Das 140 crianças incluídas 19 (13.6 por cento) apresentaram pediculose. A infestação de piolho foi associada com baixa renda (OR 9.9, 95 por cento CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) e maior frequência de lavagem de cabelos (OR 8, 95 por cento CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Programas intersetoriais de controle da pediculose que levam em conta as características socioeconômicas das crianças deveriam ser executados.

Tratamiento eficaz con tintura de añil 5 por ciento de una paciente infestada por Pediculus capitis / Effective treatment of a patient infested with pediculus capitis by using 5 percent Indigofera suffruticosa Mill tincture

Introducción: en Cuba se reportaron altas frecuencias de pediculosis capitis desde finales de los años noventa, particularmente en algunos grupos de escolares y sus convivientes. Estos últimos se involucran en la cadena de transmisión de esos insectos y pueden desempeñar, en la actualidad, una función importante como reservorios del parásito. Objetivo: reportar la eficacia del tratamiento con añil cimarrón en una paciente infestada de Pediculus capitis. Métodos: se describe un caso de infestación persistente con pediculosis capitis en una paciente de 55 años de edad, tratada con solución de permetrina 1 por ciento y posteriormente con tintura de añil cimarrón 5 por ciento. Resultados: la identificación microscópica de adultos y estadios pre-adultos del parásito confirmaron la presencia de Pediculus capitis. El tratamiento del cabello con permetrina 1 por ciento no fue eficaz en 2 aplicaciones realizadas. Como alternativa de tratamiento, se aplicó tintura de añil 5 por ciento, lo que permitió disminuir la población de ectoparásitos adultos y logró eliminar la infestación después de una segunda aplicación, con la constante extracción de las liendres realizada por el personal paramédico encargado del caso. Conclusión: la aplicación de este procedimiento inocuo podría servir como alternativa terapéutica para esta afección.

Introduction: pediculosis capitis was very frequently reported in Cuba since the end of the 90's, particularly in some groups of school children and their relatives. The latter are involved in a chain of transmission of these insects and may play an important role at present as parasite reservoirs. Objective: to report on the efficacy of the treatment of one female patient suffering from Pediculus capitis by using 5 percent Indigofera suffruticosa Mill (añil cimarrón) tincture. Methods: a case of persistent infestation with pediculosis capitis was described in which a 55 years-old patient was firstly treated with 1 percent permethrin solution and later with 5 percent Indigofera suffruticosa Mill tincture. Results: the microscopic identification of adult parasites and pre-adult stages of the parasite confirmed the presence of pediculus capitis. The hair treatment with 1 percent permethrin was not effective after two applications. As an alternative, 5 percent Indigofera suffruticosa Mill tincture was used and then the population of adult ectoparasites was reduced and the infestation was eliminated after the second application, with the paramedical staff continuously taking the nits out from the patient's hair. Conclusion: the use of this innocuous method may become a therapeutic alternative to treat this illness.

Pediculose capitis: prevalência em escolares da Rede Municipal Pública de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Pediculosis capitis: prevalence in students of the public school network of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brasil

During 1985, 50,356 children and adolecents from 105 public schools of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State were questioned about or examined for head lice (Pediculus capitis). The mean prevalence of pediculosis, obtainde from the questionnaires and sometimes confirmed by head inspections, was 7.7% or else 10.2% when adjusted to 38,311 respondents. Current and past infestations combined - within a period of three months before survey - revealed a total prevalence of 57.4%. Significant differences were observed among socioeconomic levels, and grades of school age. The more prevalent categories among the factors studied were: sex - femal: 9.2% (P<0.001); ethnic group - white: 10.0% (P<0.001); hair length - long: 9.5% (P<0.05); year age-group - 1-5 years: 19.2% (P<0.001), with a peak in the 5th year (21.3%).