Health Conditions

What is on the horizon?

In resistant cases of lice, combining permethrin therapy with an antibiotic known as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) may help kill the lice. In recent studies, a combination of 1% permethrin and TMP/SMX was an effective therapy for head lice infestation. Thus far researchers have recommended that the dual therapy with 1% permethrin and oral TMP/SMX be used in cases of multiple treatment failures or suspected cases of lice-related resistance to therapy. More research is currently being done on the use of antibacterial agents in response to lice resistance.

1% lindane shampoo was a popular pesticide used for head lice, but now after some convincing research, lindane has many adverse effects compared to the permethrin treatment. Some major adverse effects include neurological disorders such as seizures (mostly due to absorption of lindane through the scalp or skin) and skin irritations. Although lindane is still in the market, current research is discouraging the use of this product, and the FDA has recommended a medication guide be dispensed with the shampoo describing how proper use can help prevent some of the undesired adverse effects.

Due to increasing drug resistance, researchers are changing the direction of their studies. Current studies are focusing on the nit sheath, which is the glue that holds the lice nit to the hair, and the actual nit-laying process. Further understanding in these areas may lead to the development of improved treatment options.