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

ABSTRACT

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.