Lice - head; Nits; Pediculosis capitis - head lice

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Definition Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp. They can be

spread by close contact with other people.

Alternative Names Lice - head; Nits; Pediculosis capitis - head lice

Causes There are three common types of lice: head lice, body lice, and pubic

lice (also called crabs). Head lice infect the scalp hair and are easiest to see

at the nape of the neck and over the ears. Tiny eggs can be seen on the hair,

appearing much like flakes of dandruff, but stuck firmly to the hair shaft

instead of flaking off the scalp.

Lice can also live on clothing, carpets, or bedding.

Head lice are spread easily and cause intense itching, but they do not lead to

a serious medical problem. Lice are more common in close, overcrowded living

conditions. Lice spread readily among school children.

Having lice is NOT an indicator of poor hygiene or low social status.

see site for pix http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000840.htm

 

Symptoms

Intense itching of the scalp.

Small, red bumps on the scalp, neck, and shoulders. Bumps may become crusty

and ooze.

Lice on scalp and clothing. These may be difficult to see, unless the

infestation is heavy)

Eggs (nits) on the hair shaft -- tiny white specks firmly attached to the

base of the hair shaft.

 

Exams and Tests Lice can be seen and identified by looking closely. Using

disposable gloves, inspect the head of anyone who might have been exposed to

lice under a bright light. Full sun or the brightest lights in your home during

daylight hours work well. A magnifying glass can also help.

Part the hair all the way down to the scalp in very small sections, looking

both for moving lice and eggs (nits). Inspect the entire head this way. Look

closely around the nape of the neck and ears, the most common locations for

eggs. Treatment is recommended if even one egg is found.

The infestation may be confined to the scalp or may include the surface of the

body (body lice), including the groin area (pubic lice).

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000840sym.htm

 

Prevention

Check policies at schools, daycares, preschools, and nurseries. Many do not

allow infected children to be at school until the lice have been completely

treated. Sometimes, however, the insects get into carpets or other areas at the

school. It is helpful if the school has policies to ensure the environment is

cleared of lice.

DO NOT share hair brushes, combs, hair pieces, hats, bedding, towels, or

clothing with someone who has lice.

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000840prv.htm

 

Treatment Lotions and shampoos containing permethrin are usually effective.

They are available over-the-counter. If these do not work, other products are

available by prescription. The medications used for lice are insecticides.

Therefore, they should be used exactly as directed and no more frequently than

recommended.

Certain products loosen the bond between the egg sack (nit) and hair shaft so

that eggs can be easily removed. Remove the eggs with a nit comb. Removing eggs

may prevent reinfection if the medication fails to kill all of them.

Treat children and adults with lice promptly and thoroughly. Wash all clothes

and bed linens. This also helps prevent head lice from spreading to others.

Outlook (Prognosis) Lice are usually killed with proper treatment.

However, reinfestation is possible, especially if the source of the infestation

is not corrected (for example, a classroom with many infected children).

Possible Complications Some people will develop a secondary skin infection

from scratching.

When to Contact a Medical Professional First, apply home treatment. Call

your health-care provider if symptoms continue after home treatment, or if you

develop an irritation from the medicine.

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000840trt.htm

 

 

" Respect means listening until everyone has been heard and understood, only

then is there a possibility of " Balance and Harmony " the goal of Indian

Spirituality. " Dave Chief, Grandfather of Red Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

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