Treatment of pediculosis capitis with topical albendazole

Abstract

Pediculosis capitis, or head lice infestation, caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is a common and ubiquitous health concern. Increasing resistance and treatment failures are reported with available topical pediculicides and may prove challenging to manage. Recent data indicate that the oral anti-helmintic agents thiabendazole and albendazole could represent new therapeutic options against pediculosis capitis. We report a novel treatment modality in four patients with head lice who were successfully treated with a topical application of albendazole.

Keywords:

• albendazole
• head lice
• topical treatment

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.