Itax: New, Fast-Acting Spray Treatment Kills Head Lice In One Hour

Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 03 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Head lice can be a frustrating problem for multi-tasking mothers and their active young children. Traditional treatments such as wet combing are labour-intensive and time-consuming showing only 40 per cent success in removing the lice.1,2 To add to this up to 80 per cent of head lice show resistance to conventional insecticide treatment.3 Itax® lotion, a new non-chemical pump spray to treat head lice, is effective in killing 92 per cent of head lice in one hour4, minimalising the disruption to the daily lives of both parent and child.

Head lice infestation affects up to three million people in the UK, especially school-age children.5 The growing problem of resistance has left most therapy options ineffective and patients vulnerable to re-infection. Itax lotion overcomes this problem as it has a physical mode of action rather than a chemical approach.6 When it is applied to the hair and scalp, the silicone-based lotion forms an occlusive film around the lice obstructing their airways, causing them to die by suffocation.6 Itax lotion is effective within only one hour of application and after seven days 77 per cent of nits are eradicated.4

"One of the key factors to consider in choosing a head lice treatment is how effective the formula is in eliminating the parasites. Although insecticides are well established, the problem of insecticide resistance is increasing," comments Christopher Howland-Harris, a primary care pharmacist who also works for Bristol Primary Care Trust. "Head lice lotions containing silicone-based ingredients, such as cyclomethicone, which have a physical mode of action will reduce the risk of development of resistant strains of lice, ultimately reducing the prevalence of head lice."

Head lice can be particularly distressing to parents and children alike, causing anxiety and embarrassment.1 But a delay in seeking treatment can lead to an allergic reaction in response to bites and allow further spreading of the lice.7 It is therefore important to seek fast and effective therapy which is easy to apply resulting in symptomatic relief and a reduction in transmission. Itax lotion is complemented by Itax relais shampoo containing detangling and anti-itching ingredients which help to soothe the scalp from lice bites and alleviate symptoms of itching.6

Bao-Tam Phan, a pharmacist and UK Marketing & Training Manager at Pierre Fabre Dermatologie, the manufacturers of Itax comments on Itax's formulation: "The lotion contains the active ingredient cyclomethicone which is widely used in cosmetic products and is not associated with any toxicological side affects. It is available in an easy to apply pump spray, which may encourage improved compliance aiding effective management of the lice."

The UK trade price for Itax spray lotion (CE) is £6.12 and RRP is £11.99 for a 75ml bottle, PIP code 339-2479. The UK trade price for Itax relais shampoo trade price is £5.10 and RRP is £9.99 for a 150ml tube, PIP code 339-2453.

About head lice

Head lice are parasitic insects, also known as Pediculus humanus capitis, which live in the hair and scalp of humans7,8. They feed on the blood of the host by biting and sucking blood through the scalp.9 The female louse lays eggs which are yellow / white in appearance and glued to the hair shaft close to the scalp.8,2 The incubation period is 6-10 days and within 10 days of hatching, the newly hatched louse (nymph) becomes a mature adult, capable of reproducing.1 The mature louse can lay up to six to eight eggs a day until death at 30 days.2 Head lice cannot fly, jump or hop but are spread through direct, prolonged head-to-head contact with an infested person7 and only mature lice are contagious as they are able to crawl from head to head.

About Itax® lotion

Itax lotion is a pesticide-free spray containing 48% cyclomethicone, which has been indicated for the treatment of head lice. As Itax has a physical mode of action rather than chemical, it displays benefits over conventional insecticides, as resistance cannot be developed.6 Itax needs to be reapplied seven days after the first application to ensure that newly hatched eggs are treated.6

The clinical efficacy of Itax has been demonstrated through an in vivo trial conducted by Dr Izri and colleagues at the Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France. Results from the study on 108 patients, 73% of whom experienced high infestation (>30 lices) revealed: 92% of efficacy on lice elimination after one hour and 77% of efficacy on egg elimination after seven days.4 Participants also expressed that where cosmetic acceptability was concerned, they were 100% satisfied with the method of application, texture, smell, rinsing of the product and the condition of their hair after using the lotion.10 Study subjects showed high toleration of Itax with minimal adverse effects10, however, Itax lotion it is not recommended for patients with asthma.6

About Itax® relais shampoo

Itax shampoo contains detangling plant-based polymer properties and the amino acid glycine which has anti-itching and soothing affects, helping to alleviate the scalp from skin irritation caused by lice bits.10

References

1. The Health Protection Agency North West. The prevention, identification and management of head lice infection in the community. October 2007. Accessed from here.

2. Management of head lice in primary care. MeRec Bulletin Volume 18, Number 4. Accessed from http://www.npc.co.uk/MeReC_Bulletins/pdfs/bulletin_vol18no4_head_lice.pdf on 27/08/08.

3. Thomas D Rh et al. Surveillance of insecticide resistance in head lice using biochemical and molecular methods. Arch Dis Child 2006; 91: 777-778.

4. Maigret M et al. Clinical interest in a non-chemical lotion in head lice management. Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique clinical study.

5. My Child Magazine. Accessed from http://www.mychild.co.uk/Healthy+Child/Head+Lice on 27/08/08.

6. Itax lotion product information sheet.

7. Health Protection Agency. Head lice: Fact sheet for schools - wired for health. Accessed here on 27/08/08.

8. CKS. Head lice (Topic Review). Clinical Knowledge Summaries Service. April 2007. Accessed here on 27/08/08.

9. Department of Health. The prevention and treatment of head lice. March 2007. Accessed here on 27/08/08.

10. Itax detail study aid - information on file.

Pierre Fabre Dermatologie

Pierre Fabre Laboratories is a leading French independent pharmaceutical company re-investing 13% of its turnover in R&D in 5 areas of excellence: oncology, central nervous system, cardiovascular, immunology and dermatology. Pierre Fabre is organised into 3 divisions: ethical, OTC and dermatology-based cosmetics and hair care.

Pierre Fabre Dermatologie