HEAD LICE

What are head lice?

Head lice are parasites that can be found on the heads of people. Infection with head lice is called pediculosis. (The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is different from the lice that cause body and pubic-hair infections.)

How common is head lice infestation?

Head lice infection is very common. It has been estimated that up to one in every 10 children in school acquires head lice at some time. In one study, the estimated annual cost of head lice infestations in the United States was nearly $1 billion dollars.

Who is at risk for getting head lice?

Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who already has head lice, or even their contaminated clothing and other belongings, is at risk for acquiring head lice. So it is easy to transmit head lice from one person to another. Preschool and elementary-school children (3-10 years of age) and their families are infected most often. Girls contract head lice more often than boys, and women contract more head lice than men. African-Americans rarely acquire head lice.

Head lice facts

1. Head lice are parasites that are found on human heads. The wordlice is plural for louse.
2. Head lice are spread by personal contact or the sharing of combs, brushes, caps, and other clothing.
3. Head lice are a common problem with preschool and schoolchildren.
4. Head lice cause a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair,itching, and sores on the head.
5. The affected individual, family members also infected, and the home all should be treated.
6. Remember: one head louse + one head louse = two head lice = the beginning of a head-lice infection.
7. Very young children should be evaluated by a health care professional before beginning medications.

Head Lice Treatment

What is the treatment for a head lice infestation (pediculosis)? For effective elimination of head lice, the infested individual, family members that are also infested, and the home must all be treated. Treatment of the individual and the infected family members

Over-the-counter(OTC) or prescription medications are used to treat the affected people and their families. Follow these treatment steps:

1. Remove all clothing.
2. Apply lice medicine, also called pediculicide, according to the label instructions. If your child has extra long hair, you may need to use a second bottle. WARNING: Do not use a cream rinse or combination shampoo/conditioner before using lice medicine. Do not re-wash hair for one to two days after treatment.
3. Have the infested person put on clean clothing after treatment.
4. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment but are moving more slowly than before, do not retreat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair. The medicine sometimes takes longer to kill the lice

How can I prevent head lice?

It's not always so easy to prevent head lice 100% of the time since it is a common infestation. Whenever possible, do not share hats or head coverings. Also avoid sharing combs and brushes with other individuals, since it can be transferred this way. If exposed to another individual diagnosed with head lice, continue to check the hair for eggs or adult lice every couple of days, but do not treat unless head lice are discovered

[Abstracted medicinenet]

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