Removal of ectoparasites

Abstract

Ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice, are removed from a human or animal host after applying a composition to the affected area that causes desiccation of the organism. In one embodiment, treatment is effected by applying a substantially anhydrous composition that has a strong affinity for water. As the composition hydrates, it desiccates the pests 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 desiccating 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 desiccating conditions are established by applying to the area a composition having a strong affinity for water.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein desiccating conditions are established by applying to the area a composition comprising a substantially anhydrous inorganic salt.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein desiccating conditions are established by applying to the area a composition comprising one or more substantially anhydrous salts selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium nitrate, calcium sulfate, strontium chloride, strontium nitrate and zinc chloride.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is in the form of a powder.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is in the form of a semi-solid or fluid.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein immobilized or killed ectoparasites are removed by combing.  
     
     
         12 . A substantially anhydrous composition comprising a particulate water-soluble inorganic substance which has a strong affinity for water, the inorganic substance being present in a concentration sufficient to desiccate ectoparasites and cause the ectoparasites to become immobile or killed, when the composition is applied to an area of the body of an animal or human.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the inorganic substance comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of lithium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium nitrate, calcium sulfate, strontium chloride, strontium nitrate and zinc chloride.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 12 , which is in the form of a powder.  
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 12 , which is in the form of a semi-solid or fluid.  
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15 , further comprising a substantially anhydrous liquid vehicle.  
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 15 , further comprising a glycol.  
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 12 , further comprising a surfactant.  
     
     
         19 . A kit for ectoparasite removal, comprising a container having therein the composition of  claim 12 , together with a device for mechanically removing dead or immobile ectoparasites and their eggs.  
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , wherein the device is a delousing comb.