Lice, Pediculosis

Little parasitic insects that feed on human blood are known as lice. They are easily to being spread especially in school going children due to personal contact. Three main types of lice are there: Head lice, body lice, pubic lice. Lice can even occur after maintaining good hygiene.

Symptoms

Presence of nits on hair
Severe itching on the areas having lice
Feeling of tickling due to movement of hairs
Size of adult lice can be the size of sesame seeds or even larger.
Sores can be present on scalp, shoulders and neck.
Nits can be mistaken for dandruff.
On waist, groin, upper thigh and pubic area presence of bite marks.

Causes

This parasite feed on the human blood. It can infest the human head, body and pubic area. Sticky substance is produce by female louse that attaches egg to the base of hair shaft. Eggs hatch in six to nine days period. People can get lice by coming in close contact with egg or lice through head to head or body contact, contact with contaminated furniture, sexual contact with affected person.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by complete and detailed general physical examination of the patient and using magnifying glass to check the lice.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

Over-the-counter shampoo containing pyrethrin (Rid, A200 Lice Treatment) or permethrin (Nix)
Oral medications like ivermectin (Stromectol)
Topical medications like Malathion to be rubbed on scalp
Maintenance of self body hygiene is crucial.

Home Remedies

Taking care of other household items or people who have lice infestations
Comb in wet hairs
Vacuum clean the furniture
Wash comb and brushed with hot water and soap.

Lice, Pediculosis