High efficacy of a dimeticone-based pediculicide following a brief application: in vitro assays and randomized controlled investigator-blinded clinical trial.

Background: Increasing resistance of head lice against neurotoxic agents and safety concerns have led to the search for treatment alternatives. Dimeticones with a physical mode of action are safe, and bear a reduced risk for the development of resistance.

Methods: We performed in vitro bioassays to assess pediculicidal and ovicidal activities of a new dimeticone-based product, and a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess efficacy, following 10 min application.