Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Blogs | Writers | Paid | My Orble | Login

Head 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.
40
Vote


   
subscribe to this blog 


   

   


Comments
1 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Cibbuano

July 27th 2006 00:30
nasty! I wish there was lice for lice!


Add A Comment

To create a fully formatted comment please click here.


CLICK HERE TO LOGIN | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Name or Orble Tag
Home Page (optional)
Comments
Bold Italic Underline Strikethrough Separator Left Center Right Separator Quote Insert Link Insert Email
Notify me of replies
Notify extra people about this comment
Is this a private comment?
List the Email Addresses or Orble Tags of the people you would like to be notified about this comment


One per line max of 30

List the Email Addresses or Orble Tags of the people you would like to be notified about this private comment thread. Only the people in this list will be able to see or reply to your comment.


One per line max of 30

Your Name
(for the email going out to the above list, it can be different to your Orble Tag)
Your Email Address
(optional)
(required for reply notification)
Submit
More Posts
1 Posts
1 Posts
1 Posts
370 Posts dating from July 2006
Email Subscription
Receive e-mail notifications of new posts on this blog:
0

Summer Banks's Blogs

1467 Vote(s)
2 Comment(s)
18 Post(s)
1940 Vote(s)
7 Comment(s)
29 Post(s)
3433 Vote(s)
42 Comment(s)
34 Post(s)
5620 Vote(s)
196 Comment(s)
48 Post(s)
4498 Vote(s)
110 Comment(s)
41 Post(s)
13860 Vote(s)
452 Comment(s)
162 Post(s)
3621 Vote(s)
11 Comment(s)
34 Post(s)
4207 Vote(s)
59 Comment(s)
46 Post(s)
4541 Vote(s)
19 Comment(s)
60 Post(s)
Moderated by Summer Banks
Copyright © 2006 2007 2008 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]