Comparison of Oral Ivermectin and Permethrin 5% Lotion in Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis

In children, pediculosis is a common ectoparasitic infestation. Infestation of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) causes a variety of physical symptoms, including pruritus, excoriation, cervical lymphadenopathy, and conjunctivitis1. It also has a number of negative social consequences, including parental anxiety and stigmatization of infested children2.

It is a significant public health issue that primarily affects school-aged children aged 8 to 113. In developing nations, prevalence rates of up to 40% have been reported4. The four urban areas of KPK (NWFP) reported prevalence of 36.7%5. People with a low socioeconomic background and poor hygiene are more likely to be affected6.

Pediculosis capitis has been treated using a variety of treatment modalities. They include both physician prescription and over-the-counter medications. Permethrin or ivermectin had been used topically or orally. Permethrin is a neurotoxin that is synthesized. It is a pyrethroid neurotoxic that targets voltage-sensitive Sodium ion receptors in the neurological system of the insect, triggering nerve depolarization, hyperexcitation, muscular paralysis, and, eventually, parasite death7. Ivermectin is antiparasitic medication, it is possible to treat diseases like lymphatic filariasis, and ectoparasite infestations, primarily scabies, with ivermectin because it binds to glutamate gated chloride ion receptors of invertebrates and disrupts neurotransmission8.

The rationale of this study is to study while comparing effectiveness of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin in management of pediculosis. The topical medication usage is problematic and had reported drug resistance9. There has been less regional or national research on the effectiveness of oral Ivermectin, so doctors less frequently use it in our department. Instead, the patients are treated for pediculosis capitis with topical Permethrin.