Head lice repellents

Abstract

[Extract] The failure of pediculicide products in many countries (Chapter 6.4.) has resulted in increased consideration of preventative methods, which most commonly involve the use of repellents. In general, insect repellents are used as a means of personal protection against biting arthropods. At present, one of the most effective methodologies to prevent transmission of insect-borne disease is to use repellents, which over-sensitise the chemoreceptive organs of the vector and disorient it from seeking a blood meal from a human host. Lice repellents were thus initially drawn from the arsenal of chemicals commonly found to be effective against other insects such as mosquitoes and biting flies; however little empirical evidence exists. Herbal lore often promotes the use of essential oils, however, in most cases, little more than anecdotal evidence exists and empirical evidence does not tend to substantiate claims of efficacy or is contradictory. With increasing global prevalence of pediculosis and accompanying increasing awareness, the number of head lice repellents and preventatives available over the counter has increased dramatically without any quality assurance or control. Although synthetic chemicals require scrutiny before they reach the market, botanical formulations and phytochemicals require no testing for either efficacy or toxicity.