| abstract |
A method for controlling lice or their ova on a human subject consists of applying to a human subject a topical, pharmaceutical composition comprising a solution of a film-forming polymer, a conditioner and a plasticiser in an aqueous, aqueous alcoholic or alcoholic medium. Preferably the polymer is a carboxyalkylcellulose or a hydroxyalkylcellulose, the conditioner is a quaternary ammonium derivative and the plasticiser is glycerol or a polyalkylene glycol. The composition may also contain a surfactant, a lousicide and/or an insect repellent. Application of the composition forms a thin film on the hair. This film causes the louse not to recognise the host as being a human head with hair. The louse then either leaves the site or fails to infest the site. |