Although pediculosis is commonly identified and treated outside of a health center, advanced practice nurses and other primary care providers are valuable resources for information. This positions them to have a positive effect through health education and advocacy for evidence based practice in regards to pediculosis guidelines. It is important to reinforce that head lice are not easily transmitted without head to head contact and that they do not indicate poor hygiene or spread disease. Advanced practice nurses keeping current with resistance patterns and treatment options, while dispelling myths and providing accurate information, will benefit families, schools, and other community agencies.
Review of the literature
A computerized search of Pubmed, CINHAL, UpToDate and Scopus was completed to review the current literature regarding concerns and management of pediculosis capitis. …show more content…
Relatively new, dimethicone is another over-the-counter pediculicides. Unlike, pyrethroids and other neurotoxic insecticides, dimethicone is unlikely to create resistant head lice since dimethicones are believed to work through a physical mode of asphyxiation (Ihde, Boscamp, Loh & Rosen, 2015; Feldmeier, 2014). Dimethicone is not FDA approved for treating lice, but is considered non-toxic and effective (Balcıoğlu et al., 2015; Burgess et al., 2013; Dadabhoy & Butts, 2014; Feldmeier, 2014; Goldstein & Goldstein, 2017; Ihde, Boscamp, Loh & Rosen, 2015). A randomized control trial concluded one application of dimethicone liquid gel had higher efficacy than 2 applications of a permethrin product (Burgess et al. 2013). Another randomized control trial in the United States confirmed dimethicone is safe and effective for children of all ages (Ihde, Boscamp, Loh & Rosen, 2015). Based on the current evidence respecting safety, efficacy and prognosis for resistance, dimethicones should be considered for first line treatment (Burgess et al, 2013; Ihde et al., 2015; Feldmeier,