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Anti lice treatment. Effective Head Lice Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide to Eradication

by alexxlab

How do head lice spread. What is the life cycle of head lice. How can parents effectively treat head lice at home. What are the most effective over-the-counter treatments for head lice. When should parents seek professional help for head lice treatment.

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Understanding Head Lice: Prevalence and Transmission

Head lice infestations are a common concern, particularly among school-aged children. These tiny parasites, while not disease-carrying, can cause significant discomfort and social stigma. To effectively combat head lice, it’s crucial to understand their prevalence and transmission methods.

Who is Most Susceptible to Head Lice?

Head lice show a preference for certain demographics:

  • Children between 3 and 11 years old
  • More common in Caucasian children
  • Girls are more frequently affected than boys
  • Can infest all hair types, including curly, straight, dyed, or natural

How Do Head Lice Spread?

Contrary to popular belief, head lice do not jump or fly. The primary mode of transmission is through direct head-to-head contact. This often occurs during activities such as:

  • Sports activities
  • Slumber parties
  • Playtime in or outside of school

Less commonly, lice can spread through shared personal items that come into contact with the head, such as hats, hairbrushes, and hair accessories. Is sharing personal items a significant risk factor for lice transmission. While it’s a possibility, it’s not the primary mode of spread. Head lice require frequent blood meals and can’t survive for more than 24 hours away from a human host.

The Life Cycle of Head Lice: Know Your Enemy

To effectively eradicate head lice, it’s essential to understand their life cycle. Head lice can be found in three distinct forms:

  1. Nits (eggs): These are firmly attached to the base of hair shafts. They may resemble dandruff but are oval-shaped when examined closely.
  2. Nymphs: After hatching, nymphs go through three stages before reaching adulthood. They have a greyish-white appearance.
  3. Adults: Fully grown lice are tan-colored and can be seen moving quickly along the hair or scalp.

Why is understanding the life cycle crucial for treatment. Effective treatment must target all three stages to completely eliminate the infestation. Many over-the-counter treatments may not kill nits, necessitating a second application to address newly hatched nymphs.

Containing the Spread: Immediate Actions for Parents

Upon discovering a head lice infestation, swift action is necessary to prevent its spread to other family members. Here are key steps to take:

  • Avoid close physical contact, including hugging
  • Thoroughly check all household members for signs of lice
  • Consider treating the entire family to prevent reinfestation
  • Wash items that have been in contact with the infested person’s head in hot water

Is it necessary to disinfect the entire house. Surprisingly, extensive house cleaning is not crucial. The transmission of head lice from inanimate objects is rare, so focusing on personal items that directly contact the head is sufficient.

Over-the-Counter Treatments: Understanding Your Options

Over-the-counter (OTC) head lice treatments are often the first line of defense against these persistent parasites. These treatments typically come in shampoo form and contain active ingredients designed to kill lice.

Common Active Ingredients in OTC Lice Treatments

  • Pyrethrins: Derived from chrysanthemum flowers
  • Permethrin: A synthetic version of pyrethrins

How do these ingredients work. Pyrethrins and permethrin work by paralyzing the lice’s nervous system, leading to their death. However, it’s important to note that some lice populations have developed resistance to these treatments.

Potential Allergic Reactions

Can OTC lice treatments cause allergic reactions. Yes, particularly those containing pyrethrins. If your child is allergic to chrysanthemums or other flowers in the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, they may also be allergic to pyrethrin-based treatments.

Proper Application: The Key to Treatment Success

The effectiveness of OTC head lice treatments heavily depends on proper application. Many treatment failures occur due to incorrect usage rather than product inefficacy.

Common Application Mistakes

  • Splitting one dose into multiple applications
  • Not leaving the product on for the recommended time
  • Failing to apply the treatment to all affected areas
  • Not repeating the treatment as directed to kill newly hatched lice

How can parents ensure proper application. Always read and follow the product instructions carefully. If live lice are still visible after the first treatment, it may indicate incorrect application or resistance to the product.

Alternative Approaches: When OTC Treatments Fail

In cases where over-the-counter treatments prove ineffective, parents may consider alternative approaches. However, it’s crucial to approach these options with caution and informed decision-making.

Home Remedies: Fact vs. Fiction

Many home remedies for head lice circulate on the internet and through word-of-mouth. These may include:

  • Tea tree oil
  • Mayonnaise
  • Neem oil
  • Vinegar
  • Saline spray

Are these home remedies effective against head lice. While some of these treatments may have anecdotal success, they lack scientific evidence to support their efficacy. Moreover, they can be messy, time-consuming, and potentially harmful if not used correctly.

The “Habitat Destruction” Approach

Some parents consider cutting their child’s hair very short or even shaving it to eliminate the lice’s habitat. While this approach can be effective, it’s important to consider the psychological impact on the child before proceeding.

When to Seek Professional Help

If over-the-counter treatments and proper application fail to eradicate the lice infestation, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent infestations could indicate:

  • Resistance to common OTC treatments
  • Incorrect diagnosis of the problem
  • Ongoing reinfestation from untreated contacts

What options do healthcare professionals offer for treatment-resistant lice. Medical professionals can prescribe stronger, prescription-only treatments that may be more effective against resistant lice populations. These may include:

  • Malathion lotion
  • Benzyl alcohol lotion
  • Spinosad topical suspension
  • Ivermectin lotion

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Future Infestations

While treating an active lice infestation is crucial, preventing future occurrences is equally important. Implementing preventive measures can help reduce the risk of reinfestation and protect other family members.

Education and Awareness

Teaching children about head lice and how they spread can help them avoid behaviors that increase transmission risk. Key points to emphasize include:

  • Avoiding head-to-head contact during play and other activities
  • Not sharing personal items that come into contact with the head
  • Recognizing the signs of head lice infestation

Regular Checks and Early Detection

How often should parents check their children for head lice. Regular head checks, particularly during the school year, can help catch infestations early. Weekly checks using a fine-toothed comb can be an effective screening method.

Environmental Measures

While head lice primarily spread through direct contact, taking some environmental precautions can provide additional protection:

  • Washing bedding and recently worn clothing in hot water (at least 130°F)
  • Sealing non-washable items in plastic bags for two weeks
  • Vacuuming floors and furniture where lice might have fallen

Are these environmental measures absolutely necessary. While they may provide peace of mind, it’s important to remember that lice cannot survive long without a human host. Focusing on treating the affected individuals is the most crucial aspect of lice control.

Dispelling Myths: Facts vs. Fiction about Head Lice

Misinformation about head lice can lead to unnecessary stress and ineffective treatments. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: Only Dirty People Get Lice

This is categorically false. Head lice infestations have nothing to do with personal hygiene or cleanliness. Lice can infest anyone, regardless of their hygiene habits or socioeconomic status.

Myth: Lice Can Jump or Fly

Head lice cannot jump or fly. They can only crawl, which is why direct head-to-head contact is the primary mode of transmission.

Myth: You Need to Throw Away All Personal Items

Is it necessary to discard all personal items after a lice infestation. No, this is an extreme and unnecessary measure. Washing items in hot water or sealing them in plastic bags for a period is sufficient.

Myth: Pets Can Spread Head Lice

Head lice are species-specific and cannot survive on pets. They require human blood to live and reproduce.

The Psychological Impact of Head Lice: Supporting Your Child

While head lice are not a health threat, they can have significant psychological impacts on children and families. The stigma associated with lice infestations can lead to:

  • Embarrassment and social isolation
  • Anxiety about reinfestation
  • Stress for parents and caregivers

How can parents support their children through a lice infestation. Here are some strategies:

  • Maintain a calm and matter-of-fact approach to treatment
  • Educate your child about lice to dispel myths and reduce stigma
  • Encourage open communication about any concerns or fears
  • Emphasize that having lice doesn’t reflect on personal cleanliness or worth

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of head lice infestations, parents can help their children navigate this common childhood experience with resilience and confidence.

The Future of Lice Treatment: Emerging Technologies and Research

As lice populations continue to develop resistance to traditional treatments, researchers are exploring new approaches to lice control. Some promising areas of research include:

Novel Chemical Treatments

Scientists are investigating new chemical compounds that may be effective against resistant lice populations. These treatments aim to overcome the limitations of current OTC and prescription options.

Biological Control Methods

Some researchers are exploring the use of natural predators or parasites of head lice as a potential control method. While still in early stages, this approach could offer a more environmentally friendly solution.

Improved Detection Technologies

Advanced imaging techniques and automated detection systems are being developed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of lice diagnosis. These tools could help school nurses and healthcare providers identify infestations more quickly and reliably.

Genetic Research

Understanding the genetic factors that contribute to lice resistance could lead to more targeted and effective treatments. Researchers are studying the lice genome to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited for control.

What impact might these emerging technologies have on lice treatment. While it’s too early to predict specific outcomes, these research areas hold promise for more effective, less toxic, and potentially more convenient lice control methods in the future.

Global Perspectives: Head Lice Around the World

Head lice infestations are a global issue, but approaches to treatment and prevention can vary widely between countries and cultures. Understanding these differences can provide valuable insights for improving lice control strategies.

Cultural Attitudes and Practices

In some cultures, head lice are viewed as a normal part of childhood, while in others, they carry significant stigma. These attitudes can influence how aggressively infestations are treated and reported.

Treatment Availability and Regulations

Access to effective lice treatments varies globally. In some countries, treatments that are prescription-only in the United States may be available over the counter, and vice versa. Additionally, regulations governing the use of certain insecticides in lice treatments differ between nations.

Traditional and Alternative Treatments

Many cultures have traditional remedies for head lice that have been used for generations. While scientific evidence may be lacking for some of these treatments, they remain popular in many parts of the world.

How do global perspectives on head lice impact treatment approaches. Studying diverse cultural practices and treatment methods can lead to new insights and potentially more effective, culturally appropriate strategies for lice control worldwide.

The Role of Schools in Lice Prevention and Management

Schools play a crucial role in managing and preventing head lice outbreaks. However, policies and practices can vary widely between institutions and regions.

Screening Programs

Some schools conduct regular lice screenings, while others have moved away from this practice. The effectiveness and ethical implications of school-based screenings continue to be debated.

“No-Nit” Policies

Many schools have abandoned strict “no-nit” policies that exclude children with nits (lice eggs) from attending. Current best practices often focus on allowing children to return to school after initiating treatment.

Education and Communication

Schools can play a vital role in educating students, parents, and staff about lice prevention and treatment. Clear communication protocols for notifying families of lice outbreaks are essential.

What is the most effective role for schools in lice management. While opinions vary, many experts advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes education, early detection, and support for affected families without unnecessarily disrupting children’s education.

No-Panic Guide to Head Lice Treatment

It’s easy to get upset if you discover that your child has head lice. The thought of tiny parasites in your child’s hair can lead to panic and rushed decisions. Would you be less stressed if you knew that head lice aren’t known to transmit diseases, and itching is the only major health issue they cause?




Parents can follow these tips for on how to get rid of head lice the right way. Let’s start with some head lice facts:

  • Head lice are common in children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old.
  • These pests are more prevalent in Caucasian children.
  • They are more frequently found in girls than boys.
  • Head lice live in all types of hair, whether it’s curly, straight, dyed or natural.

    Step 1: Know How Head Lice Spread

    Before you start treatment, understand how your child could have gotten head lice. Head lice don’t jump, they don’t live on pets and they have nothing to do with personal hygiene. The most common way head lice spread is by head-to-head contact. This means your child must have been touching heads with someone who has head lice. This may happen during sports, slumber parties or play time in or outside of school.

    A less likely way to get head lice is by sharing personal items that touch the head, such as hats, hair brushes and hair accessories. Head lice need to have a blood meal every 12 to 24 hours, so they can’t survive away from a human head for longer than a day. 

    Step 2: Contain the Problem

    Once your child comes home with a confirmed case of head lice, take steps to prevent lice from spreading to other family members.

    • Avoid hugging or other close contact.
    • Check other kids and adults in your household for head lice.
    • Often, by the time you get a call from a school nurse, your child has had head lice for a while. Your whole family may need to be treated to prevent reinfestation.

    Washing hats, pillow cases and similar items that touch the head in hot water may help contain head lice. However, disinfecting your house is not necessary because the transmission of head lice from inanimate objects is rare. 

    Step 3: Understand the Life Cycle of a Head Louse

    To properly treat head lice, you need to understand your enemy. Head lice can be found in one or more of these forms:

    • Head lice eggs (nits) are firmly attached to the base of the hair. They may look like dandruff, but if you examine them with a magnifying glass, you can see that nits are oval-shaped and not flat.
    • The egg produces a nymph, which has a greyish-white color and goes through three stages before becoming an adult.
    • Adult head lice are tan-colored and can be seen moving quickly along the hair or across the scalp.

    All three generations of head lice need to be nonviable, or dead, to get rid of head lice for good. 

    Step 4: Consider ‘Destruction of Habitat’

    Head lice need a human host to survive. If the hair is gone, so are head lice. While cutting a child’s hair may seem like an extreme solution, it may be a viable course of action for some parents. If your child already gets short haircuts, it may make sense for you to deal with head lice by destroying their habitat. 

    Step 5: Learn How Over-the-Counter Head Lice Treatments Work

    Your first line of defense against head lice is an over-the-counter (OTC) head lice treatment that typically comes in the form of shampoo. The main difference between various products is the active ingredient and which stages of head lice it kills. Most OTC head lice treatments don’t kill nits, so a second application may be necessary to kill the nymphs once they hatch.

    Some OTC head lice treatments use pyrethrins as the active ingredient. Pyrethrins naturally occur in flowers of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family like chrysanthemums, also known as mums or chrysanths. If your child is allergic to these flowers, he or she may also be allergic to the head lice treatment that uses pyrethrins.  

    Step 6: Apply the Treatment as Directed

    One of the reasons over-the-counter head lice treatments don’t work is because they are not used as directed. Parents may split one dose into several applications or otherwise deviate from the directions. You shouldn’t see any crawling head lice after the first treatment if you applied it correctly. If you are still seeing live crawlers, then you may have missed a step or the treatment is not effective against the type of lice your child has. 


    Additional Tips for Getting Rid of Head Lice

    Seek Professional Help

    Some parents turn to home remedies for head lice, such as tea tree oil, mayonnaise, neem oil, vinegar, saline spray and many others. These treatments are messy, time consuming and not supported by scientific evidence. If you tried an OTC head lice treatment that didn’t work and you are certain that your child didn’t get reinfested, seek professional help.

    It’s possible that you are dealing with head lice that are resistant to the active ingredient in your treatment product. Consult with your pediatrician or contact a pediatric dermatologist for a prescription head lice treatment.

    Don’t Obsess Over Nits

    Generally, if no live crawling insects are seen three weeks after the treatment, it’s safe to assume that they are gone. Nits would have hatched by that time if they were alive. Nits and their shells may remain in the hair for some time but won’t be viable.

    Many prescription head lice treatments target nits along with adult head lice. If you used a product like this, no combing is necessary unless you can’t wait to get rid of the dead shells.

    Keep an Eye on Head Scratching

    Unfortunately, there is no proven head lice deterrent that will prevent your child from getting head lice again. The best you can do is stay alert for suspicious head scratching. Itching is an allergic reaction to chemicals in a head louse’s saliva. Not all kids will experience itching right away, but if they have had head lice before, they are more likely to start itching sooner. Catching this behavior early and treating it will help you stop a head lice problem at its roots. 


    Head lice: Diagnosis and treatment

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    description, symptoms, treatment and prevention

    Pediculosis is a lesion of the human body by blood-sucking parasites that prefer to settle on the surface of the skin and hair. As a result of the activation of their vital activity and bites, the patient feels pain, itching and irritation on the skin. Pediculosis is more common in children. This may be due to the lack of maturity of the child’s immune system, unable to withstand the attacks of parasites. In addition, the disease is often the result of non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene in preschool institutions.

    Description

    Depending on the habitat, lice are classified as follows:

    • head insects often inhabit the scalp. Their timely detection can be difficult due to the length and density of the hairline;
    • pubic lice can be found in the genital area, on the eyebrows and in the armpits, where insects find favorable conditions for life and reproduction;
    • body lice live on clothing in contact with the body. They feed on human blood, but do not pass on to him.

    All three species are united by a similar structure and individual morphological features. The length of insects is usually from 0.5 mm to 0.5 cm. Lice are attached to the skin and hair thanks to three pairs of legs. In the presence of favorable conditions and the absence of treatment, they multiply rapidly and spread throughout the body, causing inconvenience due to their vital activity and numerous bites. More often, pediculosis is diagnosed in workers in large groups, where insects easily crawl to a new habitat. The main method of transmission of pediculosis is contact-household, so a sharp surge in cases of the disease should be regarded as an unsatisfactory sanitary condition of the premises.

    Infection with pediculosis from animals is impossible: lice prefer to settle only on the human body and cannot feed on the blood of other organisms. Immediately after the appearance of the first individuals, a short asymptomatic period begins. Within 7-8 days, it is extremely difficult to detect signs of head lice. An indirect indication of infection is severe itching in the temporal and occipital part of the head, as well as spot redness and abscesses that form at the site of bites. Often, pediculosis acquires signs of folliculitis, in which the hair follicles lose their viability, and hair loss begins. The skin acquires a pronounced rough structure, and the bite sites darken, resembling age spots.

    Active reproduction of lice greatly simplifies the detection of pathogens. Numerous eggs – nits – are attached to the hair. Their whitish color and teardrop shape stand out sharply on the surface of the hairline. One individual can lay up to 10 eggs per day, the larvae of which become sexually mature within 14 days from the moment they are born. Nits resemble dandruff, but differ from it in dense attachment to the hair due to the adhesive fluid secreted by the mother. It is not possible to wash off the eggs even with the help of hygiene procedures, because. the substance is insoluble in water and detergents.

    The greatest number of cases of scabies and pediculosis of the head is detected in children’s groups and in places where there is a constant accumulation of people. Close bodily contact in case of non-compliance with elementary hygiene rules leads to a sharp increase in cases of the disease. Visiting hospitals, schools, holiday camps, sanatoriums, hairdressers, or places of detention may well lead to infestation with lice. If a person does not take care of themselves, rarely launders clothes and often shares personal accessories with others, the risk of infestation with lice increases significantly. Given the blood-sucking nature of these insects and the likelihood of transmission of serious diseases, it becomes clear the need to immediately consult a doctor when the first signs of pediculosis are detected.

    Causes of head lice in adults and children

    Close contact of people in the presence of at least one carrier of lice can cause infection of most or all of the team. Insect densities are rising rapidly, and the threat of disease spread is increasing exponentially. With the ability to crawl onto clothes and household items, lice easily spread throughout the room. Therefore, among the main reasons for the defeat are called:

    • team density;
    • non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene and measures to prevent pediculosis;
    • ignoring the primary signs of the disease.

    A significant part of the diseased are families with a low standard of living. Timely detection of insects here can be complicated by the small size of the lice. However, the attention of adults to children’s health makes it possible to identify the problem at the earliest stages. Parents should be alerted by the appearance of redness and pustules on the child’s body, complaints of itching of the head. Most diagnosed cases are associated with head lice. Pubic insects are mainly spread sexually, so they are more often found on the body of adults. If in a family a child sleeps in the same bed with his parents, the probability of getting pubic lice in him approaches 100%.

    Risk factors

    The vast majority of cases of pediculosis are detected in preschool children, as well as in people with an asocial lifestyle and those who practice promiscuity. The high risk of infection, combined with poor hygiene, contributes to the rapid spread of lice, turning a person into a walking carrier of dangerous pathogens. Favorable factors for the development of the disease are a decrease in immunity, general weakness of the body due to poor nutrition, bad habits and frequent stress.

    Complications of pediculosis

    External “harmlessness” of the disease is deceptive. Active life and bites of blood-sucking insects can cause the development of a rash type, staphylococcal infections, and secondary pyoderma. Scratching the skin during itching can cause extensive inflammation and suppuration, which will be accompanied by soreness and discomfort.

    When to see a doctor

    For additional consultations and examinations, you can contact the doctors of Medicina JSC (clinic of academician Roitberg) in the central district of Moscow at the address: 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy lane, 10 (metro station Mayakovskaya, Belorusskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya) . It is recommended to start with a visit to a dermatologist, who, if necessary, will involve a trichologist and a psychologist in the examination and diagnosis. Experienced specialists will offer treatment for pediculosis, taking into account the age and characteristics of the patient’s body, as well as the degree of its damage. During the appointment, comprehensive recommendations will be additionally provided on how to treat pediculosis and avoid re-infection.

    Head lice treatment

    The intensive process of reproduction and the short period of reaching puberty contribute to the rapid spread of insects throughout the scalp. The simultaneous presence of adults, larvae and nits forces the use of drugs that affect lice, regardless of their “age”. The most effective remedies for pediculosis pathogens include:

    • application of topical formulations – shampoos, sprays and lotions for hair treatment;
    • Combing with a fine-toothed comb for the mechanical removal of insects and nits;
    • use of agents to heal bite sites and prevent their suppuration;
    • cutting hair for an easier-to-care hairstyle.

    An important measure in the fight against head lice is the thorough washing and disinfection of clothing and bedding.

    Important: if one of the pupils in the kindergarten group has lice, other parents should be notified in order to more carefully control the possible infection. The use of self-prepared shampoos and preparations for the treatment and prevention of head lice is not recommended due to their low effectiveness and possible danger to the health of the child.

    Preventive measures

    The list of recommendations for the prevention of pediculosis in adult patients includes the following rules:

    • strict adherence to personal hygiene;
    • systematic monitoring of the health of the child and older family members;
    • intermittent lice treatment of wardrobe items and bed linen at high temperatures;
    • isolation of sick family members;
    • regular preventive use of pediculosis drugs;
    • Refusal of casual sex.

    To protect your child from lice infestation, you must:

    • carefully monitor the state of his health;
    • to teach the basic rules of hygiene, to prohibit the use of other people’s personal belongings;
    • take care of a neat hairstyle;
    • regularly conduct examinations for pediculosis in order to detect pathogens in a timely manner.

    If the diagnosis is not in doubt, treatment should begin immediately. This will help to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and avoid infection of people around.

    How to make an appointment with a doctor

    To register a patient with pediculosis with the specialists of the clinic of JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg), you can call +7 (495) 775-73-60 or use the online registration form on the website.

    The clinic is located at: Central Administrative District, 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy lane, 10. The nearest metro stations are Mayakovskaya, Belorusskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya. The ambulance service, hospital, ultrasound, MRI and X-ray work around the clock.

    types, causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

    Causes

    Symptoms

    Complications

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    Prognosis and prevention 90 004

    Pediculosis is a parasitic human disease, considered one of the most common worldwide. According to statistics, from 6 to 12 million people on the planet are infected with it every year, most often these are children and adolescents, living mainly in unfavorable sanitary conditions.

    There are three varieties of this disease. The most common head louse, which affects the hair and scalp. The body louse lives in bed linen, folds of clothes, mattresses, pillows. The pubic louse is found in the pubic area, where it infects the skin and hair.

    The main danger of pediculosis is that it is very contagious, and the lice themselves can be carriers of serious diseases.

    Causes and triggers

    Human lice are the cause of head lice. It is impossible to get infected with parasitic insects from a cat or dog: lice are species-specific, and the human louse lives only on the human body.

    There are two ways to get infected. The first is contact with a person who is already affected by these insects. Adult lice can literally jump from one person to another during their close contact, so most often this happens in crowded places, which explains the prevalence of head lice in children.

    The second mode of transmission is contact with shared objects. On surrounding objects, the egg of these arthropods can remain viable throughout the year. Wearing shared hats, scarves, using the same comb, or sleeping in a shared bed can provoke infection. The risk of infection is also high in a public pool, as these insects can move perfectly in the water.

    There is an opinion that parasites love only dirty hair that has not been combed for a long time. This is wrong. Head lice can appear in everyone, regardless of social status, place of residence, the immune system and the presence of chronic diseases.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms of pediculosis are severe itching that occurs after an insect bite, as well as a feeling of constant stirring on the scalp. With constant scratching of the skin, crusts of dried blood appear on it. Due to the constant presence of wounds, the risk of developing pyoderma and purulent-inflammatory diseases increases.

    Pediculosis pubis has the following symptoms:

    • itching of varying intensity, which is localized in the groin;
    • small blue dots at the bite site;
    • strong scratching of the epidermis leads to its inflammation, which manifests itself in the form of dermatitis, purulent lesions and eczema.

    Indirect signs of pediculosis can be considered the constant irritability of a person, his anxiety, poor sleep, constant scratching of bites on the body, lack of desire to do what you love.

    Bed lice are not easy to detect. The body louse lives in the folds of clothes, and from time to time it moves to the body for food. Favorite places – lower back, neck, upper back, groin, armpits, abdomen. After a bite on the skin, you can notice small rashes of an erythematous-papular nature, limited from healthy tissues. Among the complaints are itching that appears suddenly and from time to time, constant scratching of the skin, but usually a person fails to find the cause of this condition, body lice.

    It is important to remember that head lice and scabies are different diseases. The first is caused by lice, and the second by the scabies mite.

    Complications

    Children’s pediculosis is dangerous because insects are carriers of dangerous infections. Among them – typhus, relapsing fever, Volyn fever. Also, children scratch the bites very intensively due to severe itching. This can lead to infection of wounds, their suppuration, the appearance of abscesses, boils and even phlegmon.

    Head lice in an advanced case causes an allergic reaction, which begins to manifest itself as a result of excrement and waste products of insects getting into wounds and scratches. Constant and strong scratching often leads to the formation of one continuous crust on the head, which can cause hair loss.

    Lice infestation on eyelashes and eyebrows can cause blepharitis or lead to conjunctivitis.

    Diagnosis

    For the diagnosis of pediculosis, an external examination of the patient is used. Lice are quite easy to see with the naked eye, and nits that are attached to the hair are also perfectly visible when looking closely at the hair.

    Wood’s lamp helps to determine the life cycle of an insect, as well as to determine whether it is alive or dead. Detection of pediculosis at the initial stage of infection can occur using a dermatoscope. Dermoscopy helps to see insects even if their number is insignificant and nits have not yet been deposited.

    Louse is detected by combing the hair with a fine comb on a sheet of white paper. Pubic lice are found during examination by a urologist or gynecologist. A pediatrician takes part in the diagnosis of children, and if you suspect head lice, you should contact a dermatologist.

    Treatment

    Actions for pediculosis should be aimed at identifying all contacts. This is important so that the lice do not spread to other healthy people. When a pubic form is detected, all partners who may be infected are identified.

    Pediculosis is treated with drugs of different groups. Pyrethroids are most often recommended in the form of lotions, shampoos, or ointments. These are the most popular remedies for the treatment of lice. However, often drugs from this group quickly become addictive, which is also one of the reasons for the spread of lice throughout the world.

    Systemic anthelmintic drugs are given when pediculosis has been identified along with helminth infestation. This happens in groups with low social responsibility and among those who do not have a fixed place of residence.

    Organophosphorus compounds are rarely prescribed today due to increased toxicity to the human body. Pediculosis remedies based on benzyl benzoate should be used when insects are found to be insensitive to pyrethroids. Essential oils in high concentrations can lead to the destruction of adult insects, but nits are absolutely insensitive to them, so this treatment should be carried out several times.

    Among pediculosis shampoos, Paranit, Veda-2, Mirrolla Permethrin, DIS, Parasidosis, Leisner, Pediculen Ultra, Hygienika have proven effectiveness today. All drugs for pediculosis should be prescribed only by a doctor, as they have both indications and contraindications and, of course, side effects.

    It is important not only to treat the scalp, but also to sanitize clothing, hats and bedding. With the pubic form, the hair in the groin area is completely shaved off, and the skin itself is treated with an ointment recommended by the doctor.

    It is important to follow the rules of hygiene during treatment, take a bath in time, comb your hair well, remove all tangles, and at the slightest suspicion of a disease, be sure to consult a doctor.

    Prognosis and prevention

    With proper and timely treatment, the prognosis is always favorable. However, the use of prescribed agents does not reduce the risk of re-infection.

    To prevent head lice, you should follow the rules of hygiene, regularly inspect the scalp for the presence of nits and live insects, and keep the house clean and tidy. It is important to use only personal hygiene products and individual clothing. When traveling in public transport, you should not allow your head to touch the head restraints.

    The author of the article:

    Shapovalova Valeria Olegovna

    cosmetologist, dermatologist, trichologist

    work experience 7 years

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