Is it true that lice are used to treat jaundice? - briefly
No, there is no credible medical evidence supporting the use of lice as a treatment for jaundice; any such claim originates from historical folklore rather than scientific practice.
Is it true that lice are used to treat jaundice? - in detail
The claim that head lice serve as a therapeutic agent for jaundice lacks scientific support. Historical records show occasional references to using live insects in folk remedies, but no credible medical texts describe lice as a treatment for hepatic bilirubin disorders.
Modern medicine defines jaundice as a symptom of elevated bilirubin, typically managed with phototherapy, exchange transfusion, or addressing the underlying cause (e.g., hepatitis, hemolysis). None of these interventions involve ectoparasites.
Key points:
- No peer‑reviewed studies demonstrate efficacy of lice in reducing serum bilirubin.
- Toxicological assessments reveal that lice can transmit pathogens; their application would pose infection risk.
- Regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA) have not approved any insect‑based product for jaundice.
Therefore, the notion that lice are employed to cure jaundice is a myth rooted in anecdotal folklore rather than evidence‑based practice.