Annoyed and embarrassed about scratching your head often in front of everyone? Do not know how to get rid of these tiny creatures that remind their presence now and then. Go on with the article to know more about head lice and its treatment. Head lice are small, wingless bug that lives on hair and scalp and feed on a very minute quantity of blood. They are insects but of parasitic variety that are distinct and unique in invading and inhabiting the hair of the human head. Lice are not dangerous and they do not cause any serious disease, they are just contagious and annoying. A bite from lice can cause constant scratching, skin irritation, and infection. A single adult insect is called a louse (plural: lice) and the eggs are called nits. A louse is just the size of a sesame seed and the nits, attached to the hair, are even smaller and look like dandruff flakes. Lice and nits are often detected at the neckline and behind the ears.
Risk factors and spread
Anyone can get head lice regardless of their hygiene. They are very common among school-going children. Head lice are severely contagious and spread usually among children between the age group 3-12 years as kids share their belongings with their friends and play very closely. A Head louse has nothing to do with hygiene; no matter how many times the person takes a shower, it is impossible to get rid of them. The possibility of getting head lice increases during head-to-head contact with someone who already has the insect. Sharing belongings like towels, pillows, hats, ribbons, coats, and comb or hair brush with someone having head lice can spread the insect. The whole family is at risk of getting infected with head lice even if one member of the family has them.
Symptoms of head lice
As head lice are alive and move always it is very difficult to see them. The person may frequently scratch his/her head. There could be small, red sores or bumps seen on the scalp, neck, and shoulder. An enormous amount of lice egg called nits that cling tightly to the hair may be present and appears like tiny water droplets. The person may experience a tickling or crawling feeling in the hair. Sometimes resting lice or nymph (baby lice) can be seen on the scalp. It is also associated with hair loss and scalp infection.
Treatment
Treatment options for head lice are enormous. Over–the–counter lotions or shampoos containing pyrethrin or permethrin are commonly used to treat head lice. Before using any over-the-counter medicine, it is important to consult a doctor as many head lice killer shampoos and lotions have pesticides and other harmful chemicals that might cause side effects in pregnant and nursing women. These shampoos and lotions with pesticides can worsen the condition of an asthma and allergy patient. Moreover, using such products close to the eyes and nose is not safe. If over-the-counter medicines are not effective, then a few prescribed lotions or shampoos can treat them. Sometimes even prescribed shampoos and lotion are not effective, if not used correctly or if the lice are resistant to the medicine, therefore contact the doctor again for some other strong medicine.
Unfortunately, products that kill head lice usually do not kill nits. Therefore, to prevent another lice infestation, in addition to lotions and shampoo, try hand picking or using special combs that comb out lice and little nits. Combing all through the hair every 3 days once or more often is essential for the next 2 weeks or until no lice are seen. Bed linen, towels and clothing used by a person infected with head lice should be washed with hot water. Car seats, carpets, couches and stuffed toys should be vacuum cleaned often as lice can survive up to 2 days in such items.
Prevention
Preventing head lice infestation is impossible but some measures can be tried to keep the bugs at bay.
- Avoid sharing combs, hair brushes, and other hair accessories
- Do not wear or even try that of another person
- Use separate pillow and towel
- Wash the pillow cover and towel often with hot water
- Vacuum carpets, pillows, car seats, and sofas often
- Avoid close head-to-head contact
- Avoid close contact with people who have lice
- Do not use any belongings of a person who is infested with lice
- If signs like frequent head scratching are seen then immediately look for lice or nits and treat them right away
Outlook
For anyone, lice infestation can be a persistent nuisance. If even after undergoing treatment for more than 2 weeks the lice persists, then it may be due to the presence of nits, exposure to someone who has lice or ineffective treatment. It is very important to make kids understand that having lice is of course annoying and embarrassing but anyone can get them. Understand that the presence of lice doesn’t mean that the person is unhygienic. Be patient and follow the treatment and preventive steps as exactly told by the physician and you will be well on your way to keep your family lice-free.
