Repellency of citronella for head lice: Double-blind randomized trial of efficacy and safety

Kosta Y. Mumcuoglu*, Shlomo Magdassi, Jacqueline Miller, Fiameta Ben-Ishai, Gary Zentner, Valery Helbin, Michael Friger, Frigita Kahana, Arieh Ingber

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Head lice move easily from head to head. The lack of safe, effective repellents leads to reinfestation. Objectives: To test the efficacy of a slow-release citronella formulation as a repellent against the head louse. Methods: During 4 months in 2003 a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical study was conducted in four elementary schools; 103 children were treated with the test formulation and 95 with a placebo. Results: A significant difference was observed during the second examination 2 months later, when 12.0% of the children treated with the test repellent and 50.5% of those treated with placebo were infested with lice. A significant difference was also observed at the third examination 2 months later, when 12.4% of the children treated with the test repellent and 33.7% treated with placebo were infested. Overall, there were significant differences between those treated with the repellent and those treated with the placebo (15.4% and 55.1% respectively, P < 0.0001). Side effects were observed in 4.4% of children who disliked the odor of the formulation, and an additional 1.0% who complained of a slight itching and burning sensation. Conclusions: Use of an effective repellent could significantly lower the incidence of reinfestations, which would lower expenditure on lice control, including pediculicides, combs and products for nit removal, and the time spent on treatment and removal of the nits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)756-759
Number of pages4
JournalIsrael Medical Association Journal
Volume6
Issue number12
StatePublished - Dec 2004

Keywords

  • Citronella
  • Double-blind clinical trial
  • Pediculus humanus capitis
  • Repellent

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