There are a an overwhelmingly large number of different head lice treatments available in Australian and New Zealand markets, which can be divided into two broad categories, chemical and physical.

Physical methods include combing with a nit comb which is also known as “bug busting” or “wet combing”. Little evaluation of the efficacy of these methods has been undertaken, however they have increased in popularity due both to a reluctance by parents to expose children to chemicals, and to a perceived lack of efficacy of the existing chemical methods of treatment.¹

Chemical methods include topical treatments such as herbal mixtures, permethrin, pyrethrins or malathion and are by far the most common initial method of treatment of head lice infestation.¹

Quit Nits head lice treatments are born in nature, based in science and have been developed with a focus on what parents and children really want from a head lice treatment.

In a 2008 consumer focus group study into attitudes about head lice treatments undertaken by Kelton Research, it was found that parents top priorities for head lice treatments are:

1. That the treatment kills 100% of lice and nits (82%)
2. Is recommended by a medical professional (82%)
3. Contains no toxic chemicals (69%)
4. Is reasonably priced (69%)
5. Is a well known brand (67%)
6. No need to comb out the nits, simply wash out (61%)
7. Is suitable for use by pregnant women (61%)
8. Is featured in a publication (42%)

The study also identified the following attitudes to currently available head lice treatments and these factors have featured strongly in the ongoing innovation of the Quit Nits range to address these consumer attitudes.

68% of parents were dissatisfied with having to use multiple treatments to get rid of lice.

Unlike pesticide-based lice treatments such as pyrethroids and malathion¹, there is no demonstrated resistance of head lice to Quit Nits

64% of parents are bothered by the fact that many head lice treatments on the market contain  chemical pesticides.

The ingredients used in Quit Nits head lice products have been carefully selected on the basis of efficacy, ease of use and high safety profile.

42% of parents weren’t pleased with the smell of the treatments they have used.

Quit Nits products are formulated with pleasant and mild natural fragrances including lavender, vanilla, sandalwood, and rose. There are no overpowering chemical or essential oil odours.

41% of parents weren’t pleased with the length of the treatment process

Within 2 hours, Quit Nits One kills 73% of head lice and overnight exposure to Quit Nits has been shown to kill 100% of both lice and nits².

Source: Kelton Research – Hill & Knowlton/Wild Child Consumer Focus Group Summary, January 2008

_{1. Medicines Evaluation Committee. A review of the regulation of head lice treatments in Australia, October 2003}

_{2.  Burgess I. and Harris M. Report of tests to establish efficacy of one formulation (Wild Child) against adult lice and their eggs with a 40 minute, 2 hour, and overnight exposure, May 1, 2004}