Lice are external parasites that live on the surface of body. Lice feed on human blood after sting the skin and injecting saliva, which may cause itching due to an allergic reaction. They have no wings and cannot fly or jump. An adult female head louse lays 3 to 6 eggs per day, which are also called nits. The seeds are white and less than 1 mm long. Nymphs (immature lice) hatch after 8-9 days, mature in 12-9 days, and live as adults for about 30 days.
Lice are transmitted from person to person through close physical contact.Parents and teachers usually make the initial diagnosis of head lice infestation. In the case of head lice, a school nurse usually discovers the infestation.
Itching is the most common symptom of infection. Children often have trouble sleeping because of severe itching at night. The areas involved in head lice infestation include the scalp, back of the neck, and areas behind the ears. Scratching can cause secondary infection with bacterial sores. However, lice infestation may be asymptomatic, especially if it is the first contamination and if the contamination is mild.
Treatment :
Head lice are found on hats, scarves, brushes, combs, hair accessories, linens, towels, and dolls. Since exposure to these fomites can lead to re-infestation, it is recommended that items used by an infected person be machine washed on hot water and air dried, as the lice and eggs are then From 5 minutes of exposure to temperatures greater than 53.5 degrees Celsius (128.3 degrees Fahrenheit) are lost.
Items that cannot be washed can be placed in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks or placed in a pot of water above 70 degrees with the lid closed for 10 minutes.
Floors and furniture should be vacuumed to remove infested hair that may have shed lice eggs. A louse egg attached to hair that has fallen on the ground can survive for up to 10 days.
Children should also be taught not to use other people’s combs, brushes, hair accessories and towels. Using Permethrin is the first line of lice treatment and all family members should be treated.
