Methods for treating ectoparasite infections on the mammalian body

Method for topical treatment of ectoparasites, their nymphs, and their eggs, on mammalian skin and hair comprising the steps of:

• A) applying a water soluble or water-dispersible, pharmacologically acceptable composition containing at least one pesticidally-active monohydric aralkyl alcohol to areas of mammal skin and hair infected with ectoparasites wherein
• a) the composition contains a quantity in the range of from about 1 to about 50% by weight of the at least one monohydric aralkyl alcohol sufficient to provide pesticidal activity against the ectoparasites, their nymphs, and their eggs,
• b) the composition is formulated so that when applied to the ectoparasites the composition prevents them from obtaining air through their breathing apparatuses,
• c) the composition is applied to the infected areas in a quantity sufficient to completely saturate both the hair and skin in the infected areas, and
• d) the composition can be readily washed out of the infected areas by rinsing with water;
• B) leaving the composition in contact with the skin and hair in the infected area until at least most of the ectoparasites, nymphs and eggs have been killed;
• and
• C) removing the composition and the dead ectoparasites, nymphs and eggs from the skin and hair with water or other aqueous based liquid.