Pediculosis treatment in Iranian traditional medicine: a narrative review

Background: Head louse (pediculus capities) is an obligate ectoparasite which is detected on the scalp and hair and transferred mainly via direct contact. It is estimated that about 6-12 million infestations are found among children 3-11 years old in the United States every year. There are some problems in current treatment like increasing the resistance, blood absorption and having neurotoxicity side effects. Search strategy: the keywords pediculus , pediculicidal were searched in PubMed, Scopus, SID and in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) books such as al-Qanon fi-Teb , al-Eksir and Teb-e-Akbari . Finding: pediculus is known as Gomál In ITM. There are three main steps in pediculosis treatment. the most important one is body elimination of waste materials through removing constipation and sweat increasing. The second step is using topical agents such as rinsing with salt water, saturating head with special oils like bitter almonds, Oregano and so on. The third step is to use oral drugs such as Garlic and Oregano and avoid eating fresh Fig, Pears and Mulberry and sweets. Conclusion: pediculosis is a worldwide problem and its current treatment has side effects or resistance. so it is necessary to use ITM steps as an alternative method.

Keywords:

Iranian traditional medicine , pediculosis , treatment