As per MRFR Analysis, the global lice treatment market was valued at USD 0.107 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 0.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.27% from 2024 to 2032. The market is driven by the rising prevalence of head lice, increased awareness of lice diagnosis, and the growing adoption of over-the-counter (OTC) products. The OTC segment accounted for approximately 62-65% of the market revenue in 2022, with pediculosis pubis expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. North America is anticipated to be the largest regional market due to a significant child population and increased product approvals.
The lice treatment market is witnessing significant growth driven by various factors.
Key players include Sanofi, Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc, GlaxoSmithKline, Omega Pharma, Pfizer, Taro Pharmaceuticals, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, ICB PHARMA, Merck & Co. Inc, and Galderma Laboratories L.P.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Lice are pathogens or parasites found on people's skulls and bodies, including their private parts. Humans are affected by three types of lice: body lice, head lice, and pubic lice. Head lice are a common, itchy, and highly contagious condition in kindergarten, daycare centers, and schools. Head lice infestations are common among children. Most infected people do not experience severe symptoms. Some people, however, have severe reactions to louse feeding. Perpetual itching of the scalp is a common sign of head lice infestation, and it can cause you to lose concentration at work, school, or while sleeping. Excessive scratching can result in lymphadenopathies and secondary skin infections. As a result, such factors will drive up market CAGR for lice treatment solutions over the forecast period.
A larger plague pool and a growing child population are anticipated to provide growth opportunities for players in the lice treatment market share. Lice, for example, are a common issue, particularly among children. Every year, millions of people get head lice. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, head-lice infestations are most common in schools. Every year, it is estimated that 6 to 12 million children aged 3 to 12 in the United States have head lice. This will likely increase the demand for safe and effective lice treatment in North America.
In the past, toxic insecticides were frequently used to treat head lice infestations. However, these treatments could have adverse effects on end users, including exposure to dangerous chemicals, allergic reactions, unintentional poisoning, etc. The increased prevalence of head lice infestations is directly related to the development of insecticide resistance brought on by the repeated usage of these chemical formulations. Only after a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation of the formulations' safety and efficacy can manufacturers develop a new pediculicide that is neither detrimental to the consumer nor the environment. Companies' investments in research and development to create safe head lice treatment formulas will boost the lice treatment market revenue.
The market segmentation of lice treatment, based on treatment, includes OTC products and prescription medications. The OTC products segment held the majority share in 2022, contributing to around ~62-65% of the market revenue of lice treatment. Over-the-counter treatments are in high demand in some geographical areas. Pyrethrin, a chemical compound obtained from chrysanthemum flowers, is the basis for OTC drugs. Over-the-counter drugs have always been popular due to their ease of access and low cost. Many consumers, primarily in developing and underdeveloped countries, use lice treatment. The demand for over-the-counter (OTC) products for treating lice is anticipated to increase due to the high prevalence and expanding child population who are more susceptible to infestation ly.
October 2020: A procedure known as a prescription (Rx)-to-OTC switch allowed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve a lotion for use without a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) to treat head lice.
The lice treatment market segmentation, based on type, includes pediculosis capitis, pediculosis corporis, and pediculosis pubis. Pediculosis pubis dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the forecast period, 2024-2032. The market's expansion can be attributed to factors like the increasing prevalence of parasitic infection and the ease with which lice treatment products are available. For example, according to the Pediculosis pubis chapter updated in February 2022 in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Pediculosis pubis, or louse, infestation impacts hundreds of millions of people worldwide each year, and it has been reported in all countries and socioeconomic classes. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies' extensive research and development operations to produce innovative compounds that can efficiently eliminate these parasites are expected to generate tremendous prospects for the growth of the pediculosis pubis treatment market revenue.
Figure 3: Lice Treatment Market, by Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD Million)
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Distribution Channels have segmented the lice treatment market data into an online platform, hospitals, and clinics. The hospitals & clinics segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the forecast period, 2024-2032. One of the key factors influencing the rise in demand for lice treatment in hospitals and clinics is the rising prevalence of head lice among people worldwide. Increasing investment in developing medical formulas for successfully getting rid of these parasites is one factor that is anticipated to boost market growth over the coming years. Further accelerating segment market growth will be the ease with which lice treatment products can be found in hospitals and clinics.
By Region, the study provides market insights into Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North America Lice Treatment market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the study period, owing to increased awareness about head lice diagnosis and the availability of efficient products. The largest regional market share can be attributed primarily to the expansion of the infection pool and the population's increased proportion of children. Moreover, significant companies offering modern health solutions are expected to drive regional development during the forecast period. Furthermore, increased product approvals contribute to market growth. For instance, in July 2020, the FDA of the United States granted permission for Xeglyze, a medication used to treat head lice in people six months of age and older. A clinical trial testing the medication's effectiveness in preventing head lice infestations led to the FDA's approval of the drug. According to the study, Xeglyze effectively riddled the scalps of live head lice in about 80% of patients.
Furthermore, the significant countries studied in the market report are the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, India, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 3: LICE TREATMENT MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The European lice treatment market is the second largest in the world. The primary drivers of the market's expansion are the rising level of awareness in the region and the presence of advanced medical and healthcare facilities with modern technology. However, Europe's vulnerable pediatric population is a substantial market driver for the lice treatment industry growth. Further, the German market of lice treatment held the largest market share, and the UK was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The Asia-Pacific Lice Treatment Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2032 due to rising lice contamination in the region. Lice contamination is as high as 17% in India and 75% throughout Asia. On the other hand, the region's growing medical facilities and the existence of key market players have fueled the overall development of the market of lice treatment. Moreover, China’s market of lice treatment held the largest market share, and the Indian market was the fastest-growing in Asia-Pacific.
Lice Treatment Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
The lice treatment industry is highly competitive. The industry players are concentrating on releasing safe and effective treatments due to the increased adoption of long-term lice management. Key market players are making R&D investments to enhance their product products and services, which will facilitate the growth of the lice treatment industry. In addition to other significant market developments, market players are releasing new products, signing distribution channel contracts, combining with other businesses, increasing expenditures, and collaborating with other organizations.
One of the primary business strategies manufacturers adopt in the lice treatment industry to benefit clients and expand the sector is manufacturing locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, lice treatment industry has provided medicine with some of the most significant benefits. The lice treatment market major player such as Sanofi, Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc, GlaxoSmithKline, Omega Pharma, Pfizer, Taro Pharmaceuticals, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, ICB PHARMA, Merck & Co. Inc and Galderma Laboratories L.P.
Kaken Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd (Kaken) is a specialized pharmaceutical company that conducts drug, agrochemical, and medical equipment research and development. Orthopedics, immunology, fungal infections, dermatology, inflammation, allergies, and pain relief are all services provided by the company. Kaken also sells fungicides, rice herbicides, chicken anticoccidials, and polypeptide antibiotics. The company researches inflammation, immunology, neuro pain relief, and fungal infection. It sells its products through license and distribution agreements with companies in the United States, Taiwan, Canada, China, Israel, South Korea, and Jordan, and it has sales offices throughout Japan. Kaken Pharmaceuticals and Arbor Pharmaceuticals signed a licensing agreement in October 2019 to create and commercialize an anthelminthic agent, ivermectin lotion, 0.5% Sklice Lotion, in Japan for the hair lice treatment, a parasitic infectious disease.
The headquarters of the multinational British pharmaceutical and biotechnology business GSK plc, formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc, are located in London, England. SmithKline Beecham and Glaxo Wellcome merged to form this company in 2000. On the 2022 Fortune 500, GSK is rated #294 and is the tenth-largest pharmaceutical company, trailing only China Resources, Sinopharm, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Roche, AbbVie, Novartis, Bayer, and Merck. The business claimed in 2014 that it would make the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S, available for 5% more than the cost. Several legacy GSK medicines, such as amoxicillin, are included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Key Companies in the lice treatment market include
Lice Treatment Industry Developments
October 2022: Alliance Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with South Florida Family Health & Research Centers, published a clinical trial on clinicaltrials.gov to compare the safety and efficacy of Vamousse Spray 'n' Go in treating head lice to a 1% Permethrin control shampoo.
September 2022: The American Academy of Pediatrics has revised its recommendations for identifying and treating head lice. They also mentioned new medications for treatment and provided an algorithm for managing affected patients and additional clarification on treatments and diagnoses.
October 2021: Lice Clinics of America declared that it had completed 750,000 effective head lice treatment options utilizing heated air, with a 95% success rate.
August 2021: ParaPRO announced that the US FDA approved Natroba Topical Suspension (Spinosad), 0.9%, the first scabies product in the United States.
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2023 | USD 0.107 billion |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 0.114 billion |
| Market Size 2032 | USD 0.2 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 7.27% (2024-2032) |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Market Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Historical Data | 2018 & 2022 |
| Market Forecast Units | Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage | Market Competitive Landscape, Revenue Forecast, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | Type, Treatment, Distribution Channel, and Region |
| Geographies Covered | Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered | The U.S, Canada, France, Germany, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Australia, India, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled | Pfizer, Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co. Inc, Taro Pharmaceuticals, Omega Pharma, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, ICB PHARMA, and Galderma Laboratories L.P. |
| Key Market Opportunities | Rising investments in the development of advanced technologies Emerging new drug approvals and launches |
| Key Market Dynamics | Growing prevalence of head lice among the younger generation Surging demands for safe and effective lice treatments An increase in the number of lice treatment R&D activities |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The lice treatment market size was valued at USD 0.104 Billion in 2023.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.27% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
North America had the largest share of the market
The key players in the market are Pfizer, Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co. Inc, Taro Pharmaceuticals, Omega Pharma, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, ICB PHARMA, and Galderma Laboratories L.P.
The pediculosis pubis category dominated the market in 2023.
OTC products had the largest share of the market.
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Assistant Manager He holds an experience of about 7+ years in market research and business consulting, working under the spectrum of life sciences and healthcare domains. rahul conceptualizes and implements a scalable business strategy and provides strategic leadership to the clients. his expertise lies in market estimation, competitive intelligence, pipeline analysis, customer assessment, etc. in addition to the above, his other responsibility includes strategic tracking of high growth markets & advising clients on the potential areas of focus they could direct their business initiatives
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