Head lice treatment device

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating, reducing and/or eradicating head lice. In one non-limiting embodiment, a device includes a helmet worn by a patient with a means for spacing the helmet apart from the scalp. The helmet is coupled to a means for heating and aerating the scalp. A thermostatic controller is configured to achieve a predetermined temperature and humidity levels of the scalp, such that the propagation of head lice is mitigated.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for treating head lice, the device comprising:
 a housing comprising a fan and a heating element;   a helmet comprising protrusions; and   a controller for controlling the fan and the heating element so that the scalp of a patient wearing the device achieves a predetermined temperature and humidity levels of the scalp, such that the propagation of head lice is mitigated.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the protrusions are configured to space the helmet from the scalp of the patient to facilitate drying of the scalp. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor for thermostatically controlling the temperature. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a humidity sensor for controlling the humidity. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a timer for operating the device for a predetermined time. 
     
     
         6 . A method for treating head lice, the method comprising:
 providing a wearable device that is sized and shaped for use by a child;   continuously drying the scalp of a patient over the course of at least several hours using the wearable device; and   reducing the ability of head lice to reproduce by the drying.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising using a timer to enable and disable the drying. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising controlling humidity of the scalp and stopping the drying when a humidity set-point is achieved.