Table of contents:
- Definition
- What are fleas?
- How common are head lice?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of head lice?
- Cause
- What causes head lice?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for head lice?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for head lice?
- What are the usual tests for head lice?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat head lice?
Definition
What are fleas?
Head lice are tiny, wingless parasites found in hair. Head lice easily spread on the body or clothing and cause dermatitis (red, itchy, swollen) called tick disease. Not only on the head, head lice are divided into 3 categories, depending on where they are found.
- Head lice: These lice are found on the scalp. You can see it on your neck or around your ears.
- Body lice: These lice are usually found on the body. These lice can be transmitted through contact with clothing, bedding, and will transfer to your skin to suck blood. Usually this tick is found in people who rarely shower such as bums.
- Pubic lice or pubic hair. These lice are more commonly known as crabs which are found on the skin and pubic hair. These lice can spread to body hair such as chest hair, eyebrows or eyelashes.
How common are head lice?
Head lice are very common, but are more common in children. You can reduce the chances of this disease by lowering your risk factors. Consult your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of head lice?
Some of the symptoms and signs of ticks are:
- Frequent itching on the head
- Tickling sensation in hair
- Small red bumps on the scalp, neck and shoulders
- The scalp feels sore
- Lice appear on your scalp, body, or clothing. Adult lice can be about the size of a sesame seed or slightly larger.
- Lice eggs at the hair roots. These lice can look like dandruff but the difference is that the nits cannot be swept away with a comb.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
Generally, you can get rid of head lice yourself and home remedies such as using a special lice shampoo.
You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Home therapy fails to kill head lice. Your doctor can give you stronger medication.
- You are pregnant. You should avoid medicated shampoos until you have consulted your doctor
- You have an infectious rash from scratching.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes head lice?
Head lice are a condition caused by contact with a sufferer of fleas. Nits usually hatch in 1-2 weeks. Head lice are usually spread by:
- Direct contact. This can occur through close contact, which is more common among school children and family members. Contact can be head to head or body to body.
- Share items with friends or family. Items can be in the form of a brush, comb, clothing, helmet or hat with the sufferer.
- Storing personal items. Stacking clothes or pillows can contaminate other items or pillows and blankets nearby.
- Contact with contaminated items. This can happen because of using a bed, sofa, or a chair together.
- Sexual intercourse. Head lice are a condition that can be transmitted through sexual contact from the pubic hair of a lice sufferer to their partner.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for head lice?
Some of your risk factors for getting tick disease:
- School children are at higher risk of becoming infected due to direct contact with many people
- Having sex with an infected partner
- If you don't shower or don't wash your hair cleanly and regularly
- If you don't wash your clothes regularly;
- If you don't wash your clothes or bed linen, include a blanket.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for head lice?
Head lice are a treatable condition. You can treat head lice by using medicated creams, moisturizers or shampoos. Several types are permethrin (Nix®, Elimite®), pyrethrins (Rin®, R and C®, A-200®) and lindane (Kwell®). Usually therapy for 7 days. You can repeat this if the ticks return.
You can use a special comb or tongs to remove lice from your scalp. You can use a magnifying glass to help you see the tick clearly. You should check your lashes for lice and nits. Ensure that nits are no longer removed from clothing, toiletries, bedding and belongings. You can do this by cleaning all sheets, clothes and items with hot water and a disinfectant.
What are the usual tests for head lice?
Your doctor will review your medical history and examination, pay special attention to the scalp and use a magnifying glass. Your doctor will look for nits on any part of your body.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat head lice?
Flea disease is a preventable condition. Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat head lice:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Check all family members for lice infections.
- Call your doctor if your symptoms don't improve after 1 week.
- Avoid getting lice shampoo into the eyes.
- Keep children away from school, play areas, or campsites until the doctor allows them.
- Wash clothes, sheets, pillows, animal articles and factory articles when they are exposed to fleas. Wash in hot 55 ° C water for 20 minutes, dry with a hot dryer or with an iron. Clean the house. For items that cannot be washed, place them in a closed plastic bag for 2 weeks before washing them dry.
- Soak combs and brushes for at least 1 hour in a medicated shampoo, disinfectant, hot water or alcoholic antiseptic.
- Call your doctor if a family member or partner has symptoms of head lice or symptoms come back after therapy.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.