Clinical evaluation of an after-pediculicide nit removal system.

A significant problem in the management of pediculosis is the removal of nits from the hair after pediculicide treatment. This study describes use of a nit removal system incorporating a cream rinse containing formic acid that loosens the bond between the nit and hair. Twenty-four children with pediculosis capitis, age 4 to 12 years, were evaluated. Sections of hair with equivalent numbers of nits were identified as control or test sites. Combining for 5 minutes after use of the formic acid rinse removed 93.5% of nits compared with a 27.6% reduction in the control section (p less than 0.0001). These results demonstrate that use of this nit removal system greatly facilitates nit removal.

Treatment of chronic postherpetic neuralgia with topical capsaicin. A preliminary study.

Continuing pain following herpes zoster is common in patients 60 years of age or older. Current treatments are generally unsatisfactory. The endogenous neuropeptide substance P is an important chemomediator of nociceptive impulses from the periphery to the central nervous system and has been demonstrated in high levels in sensory nerves supplying sites of chronic inflammation. In an attempt to alleviate the pain of 14 patients with postherpetic neuralgia, capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), known to deplete substance P, was applied topically to painful areas of skin for 4 weeks. Of the 12 patients completing this preliminary study, 9 (75%) experienced substantial relief of their pain. The only adverse reaction was an intermittent, localized burning sensation experienced by one patient with application of capsaicin. Although these results are preliminary, they suggest that topical application of capsaicin may provide a useful approach for alleviating postherpetic neuralgia and other syndromes characterized by severe localized pain.