Summer BanksHead Lice
July 26th 2006 11:43
Head Lice :
Infestation with head lice (known medically as pediculosis capitis) has become a relatively common occurrence among school-age children. However, people in all age groups are susceptible. Sometimes erroneously thought to be an indication of an unsanitary lifestyle, lice infestation can actually afflict anyone, without regard for social status or personal hygiene.
Cause
Head lice are tiny parasites, less than one-eighth inch long. They are grayish-white, almost transparent, six-legged creatures that live exclusively on humans. Lice can be passed easily from one person to another (for example, by using the comb of an infested person). Head lice live on or close to the scalp, where they bite and suck blood. Their eggs, which are called nits, are milk-white and about the size of a flake of dandruff.
Symptoms
Head lice cause itching of the scalp and sometimes a red, scaly rash on the back of the neck at the hairline. Scratching may cause sores. The lymph nodes at the base of the skull may be enlarged.
Diagnosis
Unless hundreds are present, it is difficult to see lice in the hair. However, the nits attached to the shafts of the hairs are usually clearly visible. Although nits are about the same color and size as flakes of dandruff, they can be easily distinguished from dandruff: Flakes of dandruff can be blown or brushed away; nits are somewhat difficult to remove.
Treatment
Both prescription and nonprescription medicated shampoos (called pediculicides) are used to combat lice infestations. It is important to remember that these substances can be poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin or if they come in contact with the eyes. Care must be taken to use them exactly as directed and neither more nor less often than recommended, especially in pregnant women and young children. Sometimes a vinegar rinse is recommended to loosen the nits after using the medicated shampoo. The nits can then be removed with a fine-tooth comb.
If infected sores on the scalp or enlarged lymph nodes at the base of the skull accompany a lice infestation, consult a physician.
Prevention
The best measure for preventing head lice is to avoid sharing combs, brushes, towels, and hats.
If one member of the family has head lice, it is usually necessary to treat the rest of the family as well. (A physician may have special recommendations for infants and pregnant women.) Lice cannot be transmitted by pets, however. Combs and hairbrushes should be discarded or thoroughly cleaned in boiling water. Pillowcases, hats, clothing, towels, and any other fabrics that may have been in contact with an infested person should be cleaned by washing in very hot water.
Infestation with head lice (known medically as pediculosis capitis) has become a relatively common occurrence among school-age children. However, people in all age groups are susceptible. Sometimes erroneously thought to be an indication of an unsanitary lifestyle, lice infestation can actually afflict anyone, without regard for social status or personal hygiene.
Cause
Head lice are tiny parasites, less than one-eighth inch long. They are grayish-white, almost transparent, six-legged creatures that live exclusively on humans. Lice can be passed easily from one person to another (for example, by using the comb of an infested person). Head lice live on or close to the scalp, where they bite and suck blood. Their eggs, which are called nits, are milk-white and about the size of a flake of dandruff.
Symptoms
Head lice cause itching of the scalp and sometimes a red, scaly rash on the back of the neck at the hairline. Scratching may cause sores. The lymph nodes at the base of the skull may be enlarged.
Diagnosis
Unless hundreds are present, it is difficult to see lice in the hair. However, the nits attached to the shafts of the hairs are usually clearly visible. Although nits are about the same color and size as flakes of dandruff, they can be easily distinguished from dandruff: Flakes of dandruff can be blown or brushed away; nits are somewhat difficult to remove.
Treatment
Both prescription and nonprescription medicated shampoos (called pediculicides) are used to combat lice infestations. It is important to remember that these substances can be poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin or if they come in contact with the eyes. Care must be taken to use them exactly as directed and neither more nor less often than recommended, especially in pregnant women and young children. Sometimes a vinegar rinse is recommended to loosen the nits after using the medicated shampoo. The nits can then be removed with a fine-tooth comb.
If infected sores on the scalp or enlarged lymph nodes at the base of the skull accompany a lice infestation, consult a physician.
Prevention
The best measure for preventing head lice is to avoid sharing combs, brushes, towels, and hats.
If one member of the family has head lice, it is usually necessary to treat the rest of the family as well. (A physician may have special recommendations for infants and pregnant women.) Lice cannot be transmitted by pets, however. Combs and hairbrushes should be discarded or thoroughly cleaned in boiling water. Pillowcases, hats, clothing, towels, and any other fabrics that may have been in contact with an infested person should be cleaned by washing in very hot water.
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