Dec. 15, 2005 - A safe and cheap volatile oil available in pharmacies and health food stores has been proven by Israeli researchers to be effective head lice repellent, The Jerusalem Post reported. The latest issue of the Israel Medical Association Joi/rna/(IMAJ) reports on the use of citronella against head lice, proven in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial on 200 children in four Jerusalem schools. Dr. Kosta Mumcuoglu, a senior parasitologist at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School and long-time head lice researcher, and colleagues from Hadassah, HU, the medical school, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Health Ministry conducted a trial over four months.

While 4% of the children who had citronella treatment didn't like the odor (which could be eliminated by adding more fragrances) and 1% complained of a slight itching or burning sensation, the volatile oil was very effective in keeping head lice away compared to placebo.

The team concluded that citronella's use could significantly lower the incidence of reinfestations and minimize the cost on pediculicides, combs and products for nit removal, as well as the time spent on treatment and removal of lice eggs. It would also eliminate the stigma and social isolation associated with lice infestation, they said.