Single application of Nix (permethrin 1% creme rinse) and Rid were compared as treatments for Pediculosis capitis in 435 patients, the majority of whom were children. Seven days after the treatment, 98 per cent of the permethrin-treated and 85 per cent of the Rid-treated patients were free of lice. At 14 days, prior to nit removal, 96 per cent of the permethrin-treated and 62 per cent of the Rid-treated patients were still lice free. Seventeen (7 per cent) permethrin-treated and 32 (16 per cent) Rid-treated patients were reported to have adverse experiences.