A head lice is a tiny bug living on your scalp that feeds on your blood. Despite their irritating nature and difficulty in getting rid of, head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or a serious health problem, but they can cause itching, irritation, and infection. This blog post will discuss head lice's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
It is possible for head lice to spread through direct contact with an infested person's hair or by sharing personal items that touch the hair, such as combs, brushes, hats, scarves, or towels. A head lice infection cannot be transmitted by air or by animals because they cannot fly or jump. It is more common among children at school or daycare who are in close contact with each other.
The most common symptom of head lice is itching on the scalp, neck, and ears. This is caused by an allergic reaction to the lice bites. Other symptoms may include:
A tickling sensation of something moving in the hair
Red bumps or sores on the scalp from scratching
Difficulty sleeping due to the lice being more active at night
Irritability and frustration
Nits are tiny, oval-shaped, white or yellowish objects attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. They can be detected by inspecting the hair or scalp for the presence of live lice or their eggs (nits). A fine-toothed comb can help find and remove nits, but unlike dandruff, they cannot be easily removed by brushing or shaking. A magnifying glass or bright light may also help.
The goal of treatment is to kill the lice and their eggs and prevent reinfestation. There are different options for treatment, including:
Products that contain pyrethrins or permethrin over-the-counter (OTC). These insecticides kill lice and eggs and are applied to the hair and left for 10 minutes before rinsing. A second treatment may be necessary after 7 to 10 days to kill lice that have just emerged.
These are stronger insecticides that kill lice and most of the eggs. They are applied to the hair and left for a certain amount of time before rinsing. They are prescribed products that contain ivermectin, malathion, or lindane. It is important to use these products under medical supervision and with caution because some may have side effects or contraindications.
You can remove lice and nits manually by combing the hair with a special lice comb and picking out the lice by hand. It takes time and effort, but it's safe and effective. To ensure complete eradication of lice and nits, it should be done daily for at least two weeks.
In addition to treating the hair, it is important to treat the environment and personal items that may be contaminated with lice or nits. This includes:
Washing and drying all clothing, bedding, towels, and stuffed animals that have been in contact with the infested person in hot water and high heat
Vacuuming the floor, furniture, and car seats
Sealing items that cannot be washed or vacuumed in plastic bags for two weeks
Soaking combs, brushes, hair accessories, and toys in hot water for 10 minutes or disinfecting them with alcohol or bleach
Avoiding sharing or borrowing items that touch the hair
Checking and treating all family members and close contacts for head lice
The best way to prevent head lice is to avoid direct contact with the hair of an infested person or their personal items. Other preventive measures include:
Keeping long hair tied back or braided
Using repellent products that contain essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender, or rosemary
Educating children about the risks and signs of head lice and encouraging them not to share or swap items that touch the hair
Regularly inspecting the hair and scalp for lice and nits, especially after exposure to a possible source of infestation
Everyone can be affected by head lice, which is a common and treatable condition. The steps outlined in this blog post will help you get rid of head lice and prevent them from returning. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice about head lice if you have any questions or concerns.
