Had it With Lice? New Innovative Treatment Kills Head Lice, Eggs and Larvae in Seconds

• New research shows one in every 14 Canadian households with children had at least one head lice infestation in the past 12 months
• 5 to 12 year-olds most likely to have head lice

MONTRÉAL, June 13, 2012 /CNW/ - NYDA, a new and revolutionary pesticide-free treatment for head lice has been approved by Health Canada for adults and for children aged two years and older. NYDA not only kills head lice but also eggs and larvae in 58 seconds.^1,2,3 Most existing treatments contain pesticide that does not kill all the eggs, leaving them to hatch, causing recurring infestations ^4.

NYDA's active ingredient is a dual-action dimeticone solution, which has a unique two-step mechanism of action. First, when applied to scalp and hair, NYDA penetrates deeply into the breathing system of head-lice eggs, larvae and adults, replacing the air. Second, NYDA solution thickens quickly, sealing the breathing system and suffocating eggs, nits and head lice in, according to in vivo studies, 58 seconds ^6,7

In studies, NYDA has a proven efficacy rate of 97.2% .⁶

The presence of head lice does not indicate poor hygiene; in fact, head lice often prefer clean scalps. Head lice infestations occur in all socio-economic groups and cultures throughout the world⁹.

Dimeticones are not absorbed through the skin and are widely and safely used in infant medicines, cosmetics, shampoos and hair sprays⁷. As a dimeticone-based product, NYDA is a safe head-lice treatment.

Results of a new national survey of Canadian households with children⁸ that experienced head-lice infestations in the past 12 months reveal:

• On average, 75% of head-lice infestations occur in children, aged 5 to 17 years.
• In homes in which only one person experienced an infestation, children aged five to 12 years were the most likely to be infested with head lice (65%).
• One in three (36%) infested children was aged four years or younger.
• One in four households (23%) had infestations in two or more family members.⁸

Dr. Jeff Donovan, a specialist in diseases of the hair and scalp, in Toronto, said: "To successfully exterminate head lice, it is essential to do two things: first, kill all the eggs, larvae and head lice. Second, it is critically important to fine-comb the hair so that all the dead lice, eggs and larvae are removed. NYDA takes us close to that in its first application.

"The second application of NYDA takes place eight to 10 days later, followed by fine-combing to ensure that any surviving larvae are completely eradicated," Dr. Donovan explained. "Head lice do not develop resistance to NYDA. This new treatment is completely different because it is free of pesticides. That is important for parents who do not want their children exposed to pesticides."

Nouman Salam, father of a seven-year-old girl who experienced several infestations, which also were contracted by her siblings, said: "NYDA has given us our lives back. After two treatments the head lice are gone. We like the fact that NYDA is safe and free of harmful pesticides. And we no longer are treating multiple infestations in our family."

About NYDA:
Before treatment with NYDA: The scalp hair of each member of the household should be inspected with the NYDA lice comb. To avoid re-infestation everyone with lice must be treated on the same day ⁵. Fine-combing the hair is the only sure way to detect head lice.

Treatment with NYDA: NYDA is applied to dry hair and scalp by pump-spraying.  Infested hair must be completely covered with NYDA and followed with a thorough scalp massage. NYDA must remain on the hair for at least 30 minutes. This next step is critical: The hair must be fine-combed to remove dead head lice, nits and eggs. NYDA must be left on the hair to dry for at least eight hours, e.g., overnight. The hair can then be then washed with commercial shampoo⁵.

NYDA treatment must be repeated eight to 10 days after the first application in order to ensure extermination of head lice and larvae that may have survived the first treatment⁵.

NYDA Dosage for Adult and/or children aged two years or older: Dosage varies according to thickness and length of hair.  Average volume per application ranges from 10mL for short hair to 34mL for very long hair⁵.

Where to buy NYDA: NYDA is available at pharmacists' counters in more than 7,000 drug stores across Canada and does not require a doctor's prescription.

NYDA Contraindications: NYDA must not be used in people with known allergies (hypersensitivity) to any of its ingredients.  NYDA should not be used in pregnant or breast-feeding women or in children under the age of two years, owing to lack of experience with NYDA in these patient groups⁵.

About Head Lice:
Head lice are insect parasites that infest the hair and scalp of human hosts, feeding off the host's blood by biting the scalp. Head lice are prevalent worldwide, in all socio-economic groups.  Most transmission of head lice occurs at school with infestation rates greater among girls and in urban settings rather than rural areas⁹. The presence of head lice does not indicate poor hygiene.

Adult female head lice lay six to eight new eggs each day for 20 to 30 days then die.  Eggs mature within six or seven days into nymphs (larvae), which then mature into adults and repeat the reproductive cycle.

About Pediapharm Inc.:
Pediapharm Inc. is Canada's only innovative pediatric specialty pharmaceutical company.  Partnering with health-care organizations around the world, Pediapharm brings innovative new or existing over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) treatments to the Canadian market to help improve the health and quality of life of Canadian children. For more information on NYDA, visit www.nyda.ca.

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1. Sonnberg S, Oliveira FA, de Melo LA, de Melo Soares MM, Becher H, Heukelbach J: Ovicidal efficacy of head lice products. Jörg Heukelbach. Poster Presentation.
2. Joseph P. Strycharz, Alice R. Lao, Anna Maria Alves, and J. Marshall Clark. Ovicidal Response of NYDA Formulations on the Human Head Louse. ( Anoplura:Pediculidae) using a Hair Tuft Bioassay. Journal of Medical Entomology, 2012 49(2): 336-342.
3. Sonnberg S, Oilveira FA, de Melo ILA, de Melo Soares MM, Becher H, Heukelbach J: Ex Vivo Development of Eggs from Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). The Open Dermatology Journal, 2010, 4, 82-89.
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8. Harris/Decima Televox National Telephone Omnibus. HealthComm - Head Lice. February 8^th, 2012.
9. Norman G. Gratz: Human Lice: Their Prevalence, Control and Resistance to Insecticides. A Review 1985-1997. World Health Organization. Division of Control of Tropical Diseases. WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES)