FDA approves no-comb lice treatment

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration has approved prescription-strength lotion Sklice (Sanofi Pasteur) for the treatment of head lice in children ages 6 months and older.

In clinical trials, a single, 10-minute application of Sklice, which contains the parasite-killing drug ivermectin 0.5 percent, eliminated lice from 75 percent of the 781 participants after two weeks, with no combing necessary, Time reports.

Less than 1 percent of the participants experienced side effects, which included conjunctivitis, eye irritation, dandruff, dry skin and a burning sensation.

Sanofi says Sklice should be available in the United States in a few months.

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