TREATMENT OF INFESTATION WITH PHTHIRUS PUBIS - COMPARATIVE EFFICACIES OF SYNERGIZED PYRETHRINS AND GAMMA-BENZENE HEXACHLORIDE

In recent years there has been a steady increase in the incidence of infestation with Phthirus pubis, a sexually transmitted louse. A recently introduced nonprescription liquid pediculicide, whose major ingredient is 0.3% Pyrethrins synergized by 3.0% piperonyl butoxide (RiD(r)), was compared for efficacy and safety with a prescription-only pediculicidal lotion whose major ingredient is 1% γ-benzene hexachloride (Kwell(r)). Thirty adult men and women with P. pubis infestation were assigned randomly to treatment with either the synergized Pyrethrins or γ-benzene hexachloride. A single 10-min application of the synergized-pyrethrin liquid produced the same results as a single 12-hr application of the γ-benzene hexachloride lotion: total eradication of adult lice and nymphs, cessation of pruritus, and no treatment-induced side effect. A follow-up visit a week after treatment verified all eradications. © 1979 American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association.