HEAD LICE (PEDICULOSIS)

What is head lice or pediculosis?

Lice are parasitic insects that can reside on the skin and hair. Pediculosis refers to an infestation of these parasites and can occur in three forms:

• Head lice: This is the most prevalent type, with lice infesting the scalp in a condition known as Pediculosis capitis. It is more commonly seen in children.
• Pubic lice: Also known as "crab lice," they inhabit pubic hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, beard, or mustache.
• Body lice: This type is less common and resides on clothing, feeding on the body.

What is cause of lice or pediculosis?

Pediculosis is caused by the human louse known as Pediculus humanus. It comes in three distinct varieties that infest different areas: the head (capitis), body (corporis), and pubic region (Phthirus pubis). Head lice are the most prevalent type among them.

How can lice transmit?

• Head lice can be transmitted through direct head-to-head contact or contact of the skin with an infected person's head.
• Head lice can be transmitted through direct head-to-head contact or contact of the skin with an infected person's head.
• Sharing personal items like combs, hats, towels, and bedding can also contribute to lice transmission.
• Pubic lice can be transmitted through sexual or intimate contact.

What are the symptoms of head lice?

In all types of lice infestation, the most common symptom is itching in the affected area.

• For head lice, scratch marks may appear on the scalp, neck, behind the ears, and upper back (especially in females). In severe cases, secondary bacterial infections like folliculitis can develop. Live lice moving on the scalp or nits attached to hair may also be visible.
• Body lice can cause persistent itching, leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and thickened skin. Fresh bite marks may sometimes be visible.
• Pubic lice may result in bluish-gray spots, known as "maculae ceruleae," sized between 0.5-1cm on the pubic area, thighs, and lower abdomen. The affected area may crust, and there may be flecks of fecal material and blood stains on clothing.
• In eyelash lice infestation (pediculosis ciliaris), symptoms may include reddish crusting and matting of eyelash hair. Children may complain of persistent itching in the eyelids.

How to check scalp for lice at home?

• At home, you can try using a nit comb on the scalp, combing from the roots to the full length of the hair at least twice. This can be done on wet or dry hair. If the hair is wet, applying hair conditioner can make combing smoother.
• Nits can be identified by their grayish-white color and firm attachment to the hair shaft.
• For body lice or pubic lice, carefully inspecting clothing can help identify them. Look for blood stains, nits, and crusted flecks on the clothes.

Treatment of pediculosis

reatment options for pediculosis include creams, lotions, combing, and oral pills.

Insecticides: Topical insecticide lotions are effective when used correctly. Only one type of insecticide treatment should be used at a time. Here's how to apply anti-lice lotion at home:

• Do not use shampoo or conditioner before application.
• Wet your hair and apply the lotion throughout.
• Leave the lotion on for the recommended time (usually 20 minutes, Malathion may require 8-12 hours).
• Rinse or wash your hair thoroughly.
• Wear clean clothes and wash all used clothing. Sun exposure can help disinfect bedding.
• Regular nit combing helps prevent reinfestation.

HOW TO PREVENT HEAD LICE SPREAD?

• Regularly check the scalp or affected body areas for signs of infestation.
• Schools should have policies for identifying and treating infected children.
• Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used before and during treatment, especially within 48 hours, and expose them to sunlight.
• Seal items that cannot be washed in plastic bags for two weeks.
• Consider treating individuals who have frequent contact as a preventive measure.