Comparative efficacy of topical dimethicone and permethrin for the treatment of head lice infestation in students

Background: Despite improved living conditions, individual health and health indicators in human societies, head lice infestation continues to be a major health problem. Therefore, studying the efficacy of drugs and identifying treatment - resistant cases in the prevention and elimination of this disease is of particular importance. Objective: The study aimed to determine the efficacy of dimethicone and permethrin in infected pupils in elementary schools for girls. Methods: This study was conducted on primary schoolgirls infected with head lice in Doroud County, Lorestan-Iran. The eighty infected girls were detected and randomized into two groups receiving any of the treatments listed. By the end of second week, the efficacy of the drugs was determined. Results: The efficacy of dimethicone and permethrin after treatment were 82.6% and 54.7%, respectively, for removing head lice at the end of two weeks. In other words, the efficacy of dimethicone was 27.9% higher than permethrin. The Chi-square test at the end of the first week, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups ( P = 0.065). The outcomes of dimethicone treatment at the end of the second week ( P = 0.025) and generally at the end of two weeks ( P = 0.006) were more effective than permethrin. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that dimethicone is useful in the treatment of head lice compared to permethrin.