Head Lice: Just A Nuisance Or Something More Dangerous?
A typical problem in homes with school-age children is head lice (plural of head louse). They are highly contagious, difficult to treat, and quite unpleasant. Most of the time, they merely result in slight scalp discomfort and itching.
Take quick action to stop head lice from spreading to other members of your household as soon as you find them. They can be treated in a number of ways, such as with over-the-counter, at-home, and prescription medications.
Take quick action to stop head lice from spreading to other members of your household as soon as you find them. They can be treated in a number of ways, such as with over-the-counter, at-home, and prescription medications.
Symptos And Diagnosis
Because most lice are sensitive to human saliva, which can produce itching, tingling, or tickling, they feed on human scalps. Some people can lament that they get the feeling that something is crawling all over them.
The most typical signs of head lice are itching and scratching of the scalp. Additionally, the person’s head may have little red lumps, scratches, or sores. You might not find lice on the person’s head upon closer examination. Rather, you’ll notice lice eggs, or nits. They resemble dandruff in appearance, but they’re spherical, tiny, and colored white, brown, tan, or yellow. Shaking or brushing your hair won’t cause them to come off.
Usually, a person with dark hair may see them clearly on their scalp. A strong light source and perhaps a magnifying lens are required to examine the scalp of a person with light-colored hair.
In severe situations, excessive scratching may cause a scalp bacterial infection. Make an appointment right away if you have an acute case of head lice that you are unable to get rid of or if there are indications of infection. Dr. Rapaport, a dermatologist, can provide an accurate diagnosis, guidance on at-home remedies, and prescriptions for any necessary drugs.
The most typical signs of head lice are itching and scratching of the scalp. Additionally, the person’s head may have little red lumps, scratches, or sores. You might not find lice on the person’s head upon closer examination. Rather, you’ll notice lice eggs, or nits. They resemble dandruff in appearance, but they’re spherical, tiny, and colored white, brown, tan, or yellow. Shaking or brushing your hair won’t cause them to come off.
Usually, a person with dark hair may see them clearly on their scalp. A strong light source and perhaps a magnifying lens are required to examine the scalp of a person with light-colored hair.
In severe situations, excessive scratching may cause a scalp bacterial infection. Make an appointment right away if you have an acute case of head lice that you are unable to get rid of or if there are indications of infection. Dr. Rapaport, a dermatologist, can provide an accurate diagnosis, guidance on at-home remedies, and prescriptions for any necessary drugs.
Treatment
In most cases, head lice treatment consists of a combination of things. In the event that you discover head lice or a diagnosis from a doctor you will need to do the following things to treat it thoroughly.
- Vacuum your house thoroughly
- Place pillows in the dryer for at least 20 minutes on high heat
- Re-check the persons head every two to three days and use a lice comb.
- Check everyone else’s head who lives in the household and treat if necessary.
- Clean and Soak combs and brushes in very hot water (at least 130 F) for at least ten minutes
- Wash any clothing and bed linens in hot water and dry in a tumble dryer for at least 20 minutes.
- Use head lice medication on the person’s scalp, after treatment time, is up, use a lice comb to help remove bugs and nits.
- Seal up anything that can’t be put in the dryer for at least 20 minutes in a bag and put them in a storage shed or another area for at least two weeks
- If the head lice medication does not kill eggs, you will have to re-treat your home and any infested persons in six to nine days when new eggs are likely to hatch.
- Spray all bedding (including pet bedding) and stuffed furniture with head lice spray. This can usually be found in most pharmacies with other head lice treatments.
It is important that you treat all areas of your house because head lice travel rather quickly and can hitch a ride on pant legs, socks and shoes.
Prevention
If you have school aged children or work in this type of setting, it can difficult to completely avoid it. However, there are a few steps you can take to lessen you or your child’s chances of becoming infested.
- Do not share hats, scarves or bedding
- If you have long hair, keep it pulled up
- Do not share hair brushes, combs, or other accessories
- Avoid head to head contact when working or playing closely with others
- Do not lie or sit in areas that have recently been used by infested people
- Some say that coconut scented shampoos can repel head lice, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Conclusion
Head lice are normally not harmful, although they can be highly bothersome and challenging to remove. To stop more problems and stop the infestation from spreading, it’s critical to treat your house and anyone who is afflicted appropriately. See a dermatologist if head lice are bothering you consistently, especially if you think there may be an infection.