preliminary pilot survey on head lice, pediculosis in Sharkia Governorate and treatment of lice with natural plant extracts

ABSTRACT

Twelve different representative areas in Sharqia Governorate were surveyed for head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis. The prevalence was investigated among 120 houses containing 2448 individuals with different age, sex and socioeconomic status. Examination was done by naked eye aided with hand- lens. A total of 137 individuals was infested. Infestation rates were higher in the rural areas with low socioeconomic levels and concrete houses with over-crowded family members. Children had significantly higher infestation rates than adults. Males had lower infestation rates than females. However, the hair length and permanent hair washing were the factors accounted for both age and sex difference in prevalence of Pediculosis. Head lice infestations were found all over the year, but increased in summer and spring. One hundred infested patients [90 females and 10 males] with different aged and hair length were treated with four mixed creams from plants Lawsonia alba L. [henna], Trigonella faemum-gracaum [fenugreek], Hibiscus cannabinus [hibiscus] and Artemisia cina [wormseed]. The head lice completely disappeared within a weak among those patients treated by Henna mixed with aqueous extract of sheah [100%] or mixed with helba [75%] or with karkade [50%]