Treatment for ectoparasites

Abstract

Ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice, are removed from a human or animal host after applying a composition that causes the temperature of the treated area to become higher or lower than normal. In one embodiment, treatment is effected by applying a composition that releases heat when contacted with water. The elevated or decreased temperature immobilizes the parasites and facilitates their mechanical removal, such as by combing.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for treating an ectoparasitic infestation of an area of a human or animal body, comprising establishing a temperature environment in the area which causes ectoparasites to become immobile or killed and then removing the ectoparasites from the area.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise  Pediculus humanus  var  capitis.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise  Pediculus humanus  var  corporis.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise  Pediculus humanus  var  pubis.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise fleas, ticks or mites.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein temperatures below about 30° C. are established.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein temperatures at least 37° C. are established.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein temperatures about 37° C. to about 55° C. are maintained for sufficient time to kill or immobilize ectoparasites.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein immobilized or killed ectoparasites are removed by combing.  
     
     
         10 . A method for treating an ectoparasitic infestation of an area of a human or animal body, comprising applying to the area a substantially anhydrous composition containing a particulate water-insoluble inorganic substance which reacts exothermically with water.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise  Pediculus humanus  var  capitis.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise  Pediculus humanus  var  corporis.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise  Pediculus humanus  var  pubis.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the ectoparasites comprise fleas, ticks or mites.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the ectoparasites are removed by combing.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is applied to a previously moistened area.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein an active ingredient in the composition comprises a particulate substantially anhydrous silica, aluminosilicate, alkali metal oxide or a combination of two or more thereof.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein an active ingredient in the composition comprises a particulate substantially anhydrous aluminosilicate.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is in the form of a powder, lotion, cream or fluid pressurized aerosol.  
     
     
         20 . A substantially anhydrous composition containing a particulate water-insoluble inorganic substance which reacts exothermically with water, the inorganic substance being present in a concentration sufficient to create localized temperatures causing ectoparasites to become immobile or killed, when the composition is applied to a moist area of the body of an animal or human.  
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein the inorganic substance comprises a substantially anhydrous silica, aluminosilicate, alkali metal oxide or a combination of two or more thereof.  
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein the composition is in the form of a powder, lotion, cream or fluid pressurized aerosol.  
     
     
         23 . A kit for treating an ectoparasite infestation of the body, comprising a delousing comb and a container having therein the composition of  claim 20 .  
     
     
         24 . A substantially anhydrous composition for ectoparasite removal, comprising about 30 to about 50 weight percent of a substantially anhydrous silica, aluminosilicate, alkali metal oxide or combination of two or more thereof and about 30 to about 60 weight percent of a light or heavy mineral oil, glycol or glycerol.  
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 24 , wherein the aluminosilicate comprises a zeolite.  
     
     
         26 . A kit for treating an ectoparasite infestation of the body, comprising a delousing comb and a container having therein the composition of  claim 24.