CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Head lice - How up-to-date is this topic?
Changes
Version 2.1, revision planned in 2014.
Last revised in March 2010
February 2011 — minor update. Advice from the manufacturer that isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone solution (Full Marks Solution®) works by removing the wax coating on the louse exoskeleton, leading to uncontrollable dehydration and subsequent death has been added to the topic [Thompson, Personal Communication, 2011]. Issued in February 2011.
December 2010 — minor update. Further detail added to the Basis for recommendation section of the Treatment recommendations to clarify why Hedrin® lotion is the only formulation of Hedrin® offered in this CKS topic. Issued in December 2010.
April 2010 — minor update. Minor rewording of several sections. Issued in April 2010.
November 2009 to March 2010 — topic revised. The evidence-base has been reviewed in detail, and recommendations are clearly justified and transparently linked to the supporting evidence.
Changes to recommendations include:
- Isopropryl myristate and cyclomethicone (Full Marks Solution®) and coconut, anise, and ylang ylang spray (Lyclear SprayAway®) are now recommended as treatment options.
- Phenothrin and carbaryl are no longer recommended because they are no longer marketed in the UK.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement