Information About Lice
Lice, also known as head lice, are a type of parasite that lives within the hair of people and feeds off blood derived from the scalp. Although they are not a threat to human health, they are extremely contagious and can cause uncomfortable scratching and scalp irritation.
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Symptoms
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The most obvious symptom of head lice is scalp itchiness. However, you may not feel an itching sensation when you first get lice. You may instead feel a tickle as the lice move across your scalp. Sores on the scalp can develop as well due to scratching at the head because of itchiness. To confirm diagnosis, you can look through the affected person's hair for the presence of nits (lice eggs) or an actual louse.
Identification
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An adult louse has a grayish white color and is very small, approximately the size of a sesame seed. It has six legs and can live as long as one month within a person's head. A baby louse looks the same, but is smaller in size. Within a week, it will mature to an adult if it continues to live on the person's head. Lice eggs are small white or yellow spots that appear on the hair shaft.
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Contamination
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It is very easy for school age children to contract lice since they come in close contact with other children and may share each other's belongings. Lice can live on surfaces for as long as two days and can easily transfer into a person's hair. Once they get into the hair, they commonly reside behind the ears and near the person's neckline.
Head Treatment
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You can treat head lice without the need for a prescription. You can purchase an over the counter topical treatment, such as Nix to kill lice and their eggs. The active ingredient in the treatment is pediculicide. Follow the directions on the bottle in order to apply the treatment; reapplying the treatment may be necessary if the lice reappear within seven to 10 days. The treatment will include a special comb that is used to remove nits from the hair. The comb needs to be worked thoroughly over the hair to completely remove nits.
House Treatment
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The house needs to be treated as well if lice are found in one of the family member's hair. This is essential to prevent recontamination as well as spreading it to others. Wash all bedding and clothing worn by the infected person in hot water. You should dry clean jackets, stuffed animals and other items that can house lice, but can not be washed. Vacuum all floors and the furniture as well. Discard all hair accessories or wash with hot water and soap.
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