Use of Lindane

To the Editor. — In In his letter, published in the March 1988 issue of theArchives, Solomon 1 questioned whether the optimal dose of lindane had been established. It is true that lindane is sold in Europe as a 0.3% solution. However, in our entomology laboratory, we tested the effectiveness of various concentrations of lindane in killing laboratorybred lice. We found that as the concentration dropped below 1.0% so too did the pediculicidal activity, precipitously so when the concentration reached 0.33% (Figure). This may explain why most of the reports of lindane resistance have come from Europe, where, probably, a sublethal concentration is used. Solomon also suggests that potential toxicity to lindane could be reduced by assuring that the lotion is washed off at a specified time. Examination of the report by Ginsburg et al 2 demonstrates that this would probably not achieve the intended goal. In their study, a lindane lotion was applied to the entire body of scabetic infants and children