Human head lice : therapy with a combination of 1% permethrin cream rinse and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

الملخص EN

Background: Head lice is a common parasitic problem in developing countries.

It is most common among children and more in females than males.

However, the incidence and prevalence in Jordan has not been well established.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of a combination therapy for human head lice using 1% permethrin crème rinse and oral trimethoprim – sulfamethoxazole.

Methods: Between January 2001 to October 2001, a clinical study was conducted at Prince Rashed Bin AL-Hassan Hospital in Irbid city, North of Jordan.

A total of 75 patients, 39 males and 36 females, with an age range between 6-18 years were included in the study.

Human head lice were seen by clinical examination of the scalp hair, and confirmed by direct light microscopy.

Patients were divided into three groups and received 1% Permethrin crème rinse, oral trimethoprim – sulfamethoxazole and a combination of 1% Permethrin and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, respectively.

Follow up of all patients took place after 2 and 4 weeks from the day of the clinical study.

Absence of both adult lice and nits was considered as criterion for the effectiveness of treatment.

Results: The group of patients who received combination treatment showed the highest cure rate (80.0%) after 2 weeks and (92.0%) after 4 weeks.

Treatment with 1% Permethrin crème rinse alone showed (64.0%) cure rate after 2 weeks, and (80.0%) after 4-week.

Treatment with trimethoprim – sulfamethoxazole alone showed (48.0%) cure after 2 weeks and only (64.0%) after 4 weeks.

Conclusion: Combination therapy for head lice by using 1% Permethrin crème rinse with oral trimethoprim – sulfamethoxazole showed to be an effective therapeutic modality for head lice and more superior than oral administration of oral trimethoprim – sulfamethoxazole alone.