Head Lice Get A Blasting In School Trial

News Release
31 October 2000

HEAD LICE GET A BLASTING IN SCHOOL TRIAL

Got an itchy head? Chances are, if you’re a New Zealand primary school-kid with an itch like this, it is head lice. Pediculosis or head lice is an ongoing problem here, as every parent will attest, but results of a product trial today could be encouraging for all who have felt the “itch”.

Two weeks ago, Cosgrove Primary School in Papakura, Auckland was invited to trial a new head lice treatment by local pharmaceutical company Douglas Pharmaceuticals, and the results have proven its efficacy. The classroom with the highest rate of infestation - 28 pupils – was re-checked today, and of these children, just one had one louse.

Warren Smith, retail marketing manager, Douglas Pharmaceuticals says it was a result they had anticipated.

“Naturally we’re delighted. This result represents a more than 96 per cent success rate, and that may be even higher as the child with the one louse did not have eggs in his hair indicating he may have been re-infested by someone else close,” says Mr Smith.

A team of parents and health professionals found that 46 per cent of the 279 pupils at Cosgrove Primary had head lice. All the infested children were treated two weeks ago (18 October) then re-treated a week later. The balance of the children were also checked, and if needed, treated with Lice Blaster.

Vicky Joplin, Principal of Cosgrove Primary, says the school has always had a big problem with head lice and many of the parents have given up trying to treat their children.

“The treatment programme was not only a great opportunity for our pupils to be lice-free, but it also helped reduce the stigma associated with head lice.

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“We have had very positive feedback from a number of parents about the programme. We’ve also got a lot of happy kids,” says Ms Joplin.

Lice Blaster is a natural treatment formulation derived from herbs and essential oils; most other treatments available here are pesticide-based.

The product was developed by Australian company, Emerald Pharmaceuticals, in response to the company director’s - Debbie Munro - own battle with her children’s head lice problem.

Debbie has initiated many trials and research projects on head lice in Australia and travelled to New Zealand to oversee the Cosgrove programme.

All children who took part in the trial were given a bottle of Lice Blaster and a nit comb to take home. Lice Blaster is now available in pharmacies here.

ends
For further information, please contact:
Warren Smith
Retail Marketing Manager
Douglas Pharmaceuticals
Tel: 09 835 0660
Fax: 09 835 0665
Mob: 021 557 333
Penelope Barr
General Manager
Beyond Public Relations
Tel: 09 306 1801
Fax: 09 302 7169
Mob: 025 835 383

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