Head lice are tiny wingless parasitic insects that exist and breed on people’s heads. They are 1-2 mm long and dull brown in color. They are hematophagous as they nourish themselves by biting people’s scalps. These minuscule insects are a irritation not a health risk. However, there is some probability of bacterial virus caused by excessive scratching which makes the skin red and sensitive, and causes puffiness as well. Pediculosis is customary with children aged 3-10 years and their families, therefore any person coming in near head-to-head contact with an infected person can also develop lice. According to conservative estimates by the Toronto Public Health Association there are 6-12 million people global who acquire head lice each year. Furthermore, they can also be transmitted due to distribution of hats, scarves, combs, hair ribbons, pillows, brushes, towels and helmets. A research conducted by Kosta et al at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem indicates that boys are notably less infected with lice and nits than girls (lice: 15.2 and 29.6%; nits: 21.5 and 35.4%, respectively). The infestation rate with lice and nits is extensively higher in children with long (68.9%) and medium-length (63.9%) hair than in children with short hair (44.0%). Treatments One should meticulously comb the complete scalp with a lice comb and the teeth of that comb must be examined carefully to discover any lice. For children with, grubby, long and frizzy hair, an alternative method of diagnosis is to look at the hair at 2 cm intervals and look for lice in close proximity to the scalp. Kosta et al have further found some more interesting facts about both the abovementioned techniques, “analysis of louse invasion using a louse comb is four times more efficient than direct visual investigation and twice as fast”. Nonetheless, special consideration must be paid to the areas in close proximity to the ears and the nape of the neck with both methods. Nonetheless, it is helpful to use a magnifying glass to detect lice in the scalp or the teeth of the comb. If women are inflicted with infestation during their pregnancy or breastfeeding they should straight away contact their doctor and utilize the prescribed medicines and/or anti-lice shampoos, balms etc. In case of a seizure disorder or a skin infection one should refer to a physician for suitable treatment. There are some other everyday folk remedies such as using vinegar, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, baby oil, cooking oil, tea tree oil etc. Nonetheless, such techniques are not suggested since their value has not been scientifically acknowledged. The itching in head may well be owed to a mixture of reasons such as dandruff in which case all the above mentioned techniques would be unsuccessful to rid pruritus and scratching. Hence, it is always suggested to see a dermatologist and get a complete check of the scalp.
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Head lice are tiny wingless parasitic insects that exist and propagate on people’s heads. They are 1-2 mm long and dirty brown in color. They are hematophagous as they provide for themselves by biting people’s scalps. These minute insects are a pest not a health risk. Yet, there is some prospect of bacterial infection caused by too much scratching which makes the skin red and sensitive, and causes swelling as well.
Stephen Meyer offers general information concerning contracting and curing head lice as well as pictures of head lice to aid in identifying them accurately. To see his information, pictures and head lice home remedies visit http://www.myheadlicehomeremedies.com
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