Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that infest the hair on the head, causing intense itching and irritation. They are common among school-aged children but are not an indicator of poor hygiene. Treatment is essential to prevent their continued spread. Medicated shampoo and scalp treatment are available over the counter, and if the problem persists, a healthcare professional should be consulted.
Pediculosis capitis, or lice, are tiny parasitic insects that infest the hair on the head. Unlike body lice, they pose no immediate health risk, although they present secondary problems to their presence. Most people with head lice experience intense itchy scalp and may also suffer from rashes or irritated skin. Contrary to popular belief, these lice do not infect animals but rather are like the human version of fleas. They don’t jump or fly, but crawl.
Head lice are a common problem among school-aged children, mainly due to many children being in close contact with each other, allowing lice to spread. However, they are not an indicator of poor hygiene. It can be difficult to spot lice on the head, and often, an infestation is not noticed until severe itching requires close inspection. Treatment is essential to relieve the host of secondary symptoms of scalp itching and irritation, as well as to prevent the continued spread of the insects.
Lice are often easiest to spot on the back of the neck and in the hair behind and just above the ears; however, the entire scalp should be thoroughly inspected. To thoroughly inspect the heads of children or adults, another person should divide the suspected host’s hair into small sections and check the scalp and hair shafts. Adult lice may be found crawling on the scalp, but the nits or lice eggs will be attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed and the nits are oval in shape, off-white to tan in color, and if present, will be attached to the side of the hair shaft. They don’t flake like dandruff, but can be removed by running them down and out of the ends of the hair with the power of nails or a comb.
If live lice or nits are found during the inspection, the host should be treated. Medicated shampoo and scalp treatment that kills lice and their eggs is available over the counter at any drugstore. In most cases, if the directions are followed to the letter, the treatment will be successful. In some cases, a scalp treatment with prescription-strength pesticides may be recommended. An infested person’s bedding and clothing should be washed thoroughly in hot water at the time of treatment to avoid immediate re-infestation. In the home, carpets should be vacuumed thoroughly.
With great care, lice can be eliminated without much difficulty. If they’re a recurring problem, chances are the source hasn’t been dealt with. When a child or someone else in a household has a recurring problem, a parent or other person should check with their school, daycare, or office. If the problem is persistent or unusual symptoms such as fever or flushing are present, the individual should consult a healthcare professional.
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