Patent ID: 7294342

Claim:
A method for the topical treatment of lice infestations on animal skin comprising the steps of: A) applying to the skin and hair containing lice a water-soluble or water-dispersible, substantially air-impermeable, pharmacologically acceptable, liquid barrier composition containing a quantity in the range of from about 1 to about 50% by weight based on the weight of the composition of benzyl alcohol in amount sufficient to prevent the lice from closing their spiracles, wherein the liquid composition can range from free-flowing to gel form, and is free from pesticides other than any pesticidal activity provided by the benzyl alcohol; B) leaving the composition in contact with the skin and hair at least until the lice have been killed by suffocation, which suffocation occurs within a period of time of less than about 45 minutes; C) removing the composition and the dead lice from the skin and hair by rinsing with water or other water-based liquid.