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What is Pediculosis ?
Pediculosis, also called Pediculus
humanus capitis is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body
or clothing with the eggs, larvae or adults of lice. Head lice
infestation is a major problem across the world, seen
particularly in school children. Head lice are usually located
on the scalp, crab lice (Pthirus pubis) in the pubic area and
body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) along seams of clothing.
Who gets pediculosis ?
Pediculosis is easily transmitted from person to person during
direct contact. Head lice infestations are frequently found in
school settings or institutions. Crab lice infestations can be
found among sexually active individuals. Body lice infestation
can be found in people living in crowded, unsanitary conditions
where clothing is infrequently changed or laundered.
What are headlice ?
Lice are parasitic insects present among humans since their
earliest origins. They are most commonly found on the scalp,
behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck.
Head lice hold on to hair with hook-like claws found at the end
of each of their six legs. Head lice are rarely found on the
body, eyelashes, or eyebrows.
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There
are three forms of lice: the egg (also called a nit), the nymph,
and the adult
• Egg/Nit – Nits are the eggs of headlice. They are oval in
shape and are very small. They are not easily visible because of
their size. So they are likely to be passed off as dandruff. The
female lice lays the eggs at the base of the hair shafts and
remain firmly fixed to the hair shaft. It takes about a week for
the eggs to hatch.
• Nymph- Nymphs are the baby louse which hatches out of the
nits. It is smaller than the adult nymph, though it looks the
same. It takes about one week for the nymphs to transform into
adults. Nymphs suck blood from the scalp to survive.
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• Adult- The adult louse is as big
as a sesame seed. It usually looks grayish white but in people
with darker hair it looks darker, almost black. An adult louse
has a life span of 30 days. It lives on the blood on the scalp.
How is
pediculosis (headlice) spread ?
Pediculosis can occur during direct contact with an infested
individual. Wearing clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats,
sports uniforms, or hair ribbons, recently worn by an infested
person may also result in transmission of these insects. Lying
on a bed, couch, pillow, carpet, or stuffed animal that has
recently been in contact with an infested person may lead to
pediculosis. Using infested combs, brushes, or towels may also
result in pediculosis.
What are the symptoms of pediculosis
?
It may take as long as two to three weeks or longer for a person
to notice the intense itching associated with this infestation.
Usually, the first indication of an infestation is the itching
or scratching in the area of the body where the lice feed.
Scratching at the back of the head or around the ears should
lead to an examination for head louse eggs (nits) on the hair.
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What is
the treatment for pediculosis ?
Nit combs are available to help remove nits from hair. Medicated
shampoos or cream rinses containing pyrethrins are preferred for
treating people with head lice. Products containing pyrethrins
are available over-the-counter, but those containing lindane are
available only through a physician's prescription. Lindane-based
shampoos are not recommended for infants, young children and
pregnant or lactating women. Dose and duration of shampoo
treatment should be followed carefully according to label
instructions. Retreatment after seven to 10 days is recommended
to assure that no eggs have survived.
What can be done to prevent the
spread of pediculosis ?
Health education on the life history of lice, proper treatment,
and the importance of laundering clothing and bedding in hot
water or dry cleaning to destroy lice and eggs is extremely
valuable. In addition, regular direct inspection of children for
head lice particularly of children in schools, institutions,
nursing homes and summer camps is important. Physical contact
with infested individuals and their belongings, especially
clothing, headgear, and bedding, should be avoided. |
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Research and support for pediculosis
The National Pediculosis Association (NPA) is a non-profit agency
that tries to change the way people and institutions deal with lice
control by distributing prevention packets and literature, providing
consultative services, acting as a consumer advocate, operating a
telephone hotline, and sponsoring National Pediculosis Prevention
Month in September.
Check the link www.headlice.org to learn more about the
organization.
To read a touching first hand account of a mother on the tragic
effect of a “pesticidal”
anti-lice shampoo on her child, click on the link
http://www.headlice.org/jesseproject/jesse.htm. It is a must read
and an eye opener for parents with kids afflicted with pediculosis.
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Article Contributed By: Sabina
Zacharias
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