Ectoparasite asphyxiator compositions and methods for their application
Water-soluble or water-dispersible, substantially air-impermeable, pharmacologically acceptable, liquid barrier compositions for treating ectoparasite infestations on animal skin and hair, wherein the compositions contain at least one monohydric aralkyl alcohol to prevent the ectoparasites from closing their respiratory systems, and wherein the compositions are free from pesticides.
1. A method for the topical treatment of lice infestations on animal skin comprising the steps of:
A) applying to the skin and hair containing lice a water-soluble or water-dispersible, substantially air-impermeable, pharmacologically acceptable, liquid barrier composition containing a quantity in the range of from about 1 to about 50% by weight based on the weight of the composition of benzyl alcohol in amount sufficient to prevent the lice from closing their spiracles, wherein the liquid composition can range from free-flowing to gel form, and is free from pesticides other than any pesticidal activity provided by the benzyl alcohol;
B) leaving the composition in contact with the skin and hair at least until the lice have been killed by suffocation, which suffocation occurs within a period of time of less than about 45 minutes;
C) removing the composition and the dead lice from the skin and hair by rinsing with water or other water-based liquid.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition is in the form of a gel.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein in step B) the composition is left in contact with the skin and hair for a period of at least about 10 minutes until the lice are suffocated.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the time period for suffocation in step B) is from about 10 minutes to about 45 minutes.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein in step C) the composition and dead lice are removed by rinsing with water.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 2 to about 50% by weight of benzyl alcohol.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 3 to about 50% by weight of benzyl alcohol.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 4 to about 50% by weight of benzyl alcohol.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 5 to about 50% by weight of benzyl alcohol.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 2 to about 10% by weight of benzyl alcohol.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 3 to about 10% by weight of benzyl alcohol.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 4 to about 7% by weight of benzyl alcohol.
13. the method of claim 1 wherein in step A) the composition is substantially free from air, or when air is present in the composition, air is removed from the composition prior to use.
14. The meted of claim 1 wherein substantially all of the air present in the composition is removed prior to its use.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the method is repeated once or twice after an interval to kill lice that have hatched from adherent nits.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein each interval is from about 7 to about 10 days.