Single blind, randomised, comparative study of the Bug Buster kit and over the counter pediculicide treatments against head lice in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objective To compare the effectiveness of the Bug Buster kit with a single treatment of over the counter pediculicides for eliminating head lice. Design Single blind, multicentre, randomised, comparative clinical study. Setting Four counties in England and one county in Scotland. Participants 133 young people aged 2-15 years with head louse infestation: 56 were allocated to the Bug Buster kit and 70 to pediculicide treatment. Interventions Home use of proprietary pediculicides (organophosphate or pyrethroid) or the Bug Buster kit. Main outcome measure Presence of head lice 2-4 days after end of treatment: day 5 for the pediculicides and day 15 for the Bug Buster kit. Results The cure rate using the Bug Buster kit was significantly greater than that for the pediculicides (57% v 13%; relative risk 4.4, 95% confidence interval 2.3 to 8.5). Number needed to treat for the Bug Buster kit compared with the pediculicides was 2.26. Conclusion The Bug Buster kit was the most effective over the counter treatment for head louse infestation in the community when compared with pediculicides.