Effect of topical combination of boiled Allium Sativum and Mentha Pulegium on severity of infection with pediclusis

Abstract

Introduction: Despite numerous treatments, head lice are still a health problem, especially in female students. In this study, the effect of topical application of Allium Sativum and Mentha Pulegium on the severity of head lice infection has been investigated. Materials and Methods: A multi-stage randomized clinical trial study was performed on 120 female primary and secondary school students with head lice in Gonabad. After obtaining written consent from parents and oral consent from students, a demographic questionnaire and a checklist were completed. One group was given a decoction Allium Sativum and Mentha Pulegium and the other group was given 4% dimethicone lotion twice a week. Evaluation was made before, 7 days and 14 days after the intervention. Results: The severity of lice infection during the interventions in both groups decreased significantly (P=0.001), but the frequency of severity of infection before, 7 days after and 14 days after intervention was not statistically significant in the two groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both Allium Sativum and Mentha Pulegium can be used for the treatment of head lice infection.

Keywords

• garlic
• complementary therapies
• dimethicone
• mentha pulegium
• lice infestations