Clinical Efficacy of Australian Eucalyptus and Lemon-scent Tea Tree Essential Oils for Head Lice Treatment

摘要

Head lice infestation, most often seen in children aged 3 to 14 years, causes itching and discomfort, and can result in embarrassment, school absences, and parental anxiety. Traditional treatments, such as those that contain organo-chlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethrins, and pyrethroids, have been shown to be neurotoxic to insects. Use of these treatments has raised safety concerns because of possible adverse effects (e.g., allergic reactions, skin irritation, and sneezing) and has led to resistant lice populations. Alternative treatments have been developed for improved efficacy and to reduce concerns about potential neurotoxicity. The authors of this study conducted multiple assessments: two human clinical trials, a skin irritation and sensitization analysis, and an in vitro study. Trial 1 was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group study that compared the safety and efficacy of a solution containing Australian eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtaceae) oil and lemon-scent tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii, Myrtaceae) oil (EO/LP) to a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (P/PB) for treating head lice in children. Trial 2 was a single-blind, open-label study that assessed the efficacy of the EO/LP solution for killing head lice after a single application. Skin irritation and sensitivity tests were conducted in both adults and children, and the efficacy of the EO/LP solution for killing lice and louse eggs was tested in vitro.