Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

HEADLICE NOT RESISTANT TO HEDRIN

Head lice are an inevitable part of childhood – approximately 8% of children in the UK have them at any one time . For parents it can be a frustrating problem to deal with, particularly as research shows that 80% of head lice are now resistant to traditional insecticide treatments . But a new study shows that Hedrin (dimeticone solution) - specifically developed to eradicate head lice without pesticides and the resistance issues commonly associated with them – is significantly more effective than malathion (pesticide) based treatments.

The study published in the Public Library of Science reveals the resistance of head lice to malathion and the subsequent effectiveness of dimeticone lotion (using Hedrin) for curing head lice in a parallel trial.

The study was a randomised, controlled, blind trial conducted by the Medical Entomology Centre - an independent organisation which is the UK’s leading authority on head lice. The study demonstrated that more than twice as many participants in the 1st group were cured using dimeticone (Hedrin), than with malathion in the parallel, second group.

As Ian Burgess from the Medical Entomology Centre, who headed up the trial explains, “Widespread resistance to malathion now means that many treatments are ineffective, leaving people with lice they cannot get rid of. However, these lice are susceptible to products with a physical mode of action, such as Hedrin.”

Hedrin is a silicone-based lotion that effectively kills lice by smothering the insects, and thus disrupting their ability to manage water. Hedrin has a physical rather than chemical mode of action and so has benefits over conventional chemical insecticides, as resistance towards it cannot be built up. The effectiveness of Hedrin was also proven during a randomised controlled clinical study the results of which were published in the BMJ in 2005 .

Hedrin is an odourless, colourless and pesticide-free formula and is kind to the hair and scalp, making it pleasant for children and easy for parents to apply.

Available from Boots and pharmacies nationwide, Hedrin costs £4.99 for 50ml and £11.49 for 150ml. Visit www.hedrin.co.uk for further information.


Notes to Editor
•The full research is available at http://www.plosone.org/doi/pone.0001127
•Ian Burgess from the Medical Entomology Centre is available for interview


Issued by:Pegasus Public Relations
On behalf of:Thornton & Ross
Press enquiries:Michelle Eastty(01903) 821550
November 2007