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Head Lice
Medical Questions » Head Lice
| Name: Head Lice |
| Also known as: Pediculosis |
| Infestation of the hairs on the scalp by the 2-3 mm long human head louse. |
Causes of Head Lice
The human head louse, Pediculus capitis, is an insect which lives on human hairs and survives by sucking blood from the skin. They are very common and spread from one person to another very quickly by close contact, by sharing a brush or comb, or by wearing another person' s hat. The female louse lays eggs and glues them to the hairs. They hatch after six days, grow into adults capable of further reproduction in about ten days and live for four to six weeks. The nits that can be seen firmly attached to hairs are the egg cases. |
Symptoms of Head Lice
Often no symptoms, but in severe cases there may be a mild itching on the scalp. The most common areas for them to congregate are the forehead and behind the ears. |
Tests for Head Lice
It is possible to see the insects or egg cases with a magnifying glass. |
Treatment for Head Lice
It is advisable to treat all the members of a family with lotions or shampoos that contain malathion or gamma benzene hexachloride. Treatment should be repeated weekly for two or three weeks to kill insects as they hatch. The hair does not need to be cut short unless there are repeated infestations. Eggs that remain after treatment may be removed by a fine comb. Lice cannot survive for long away from humans, so clothing and pillows need only normal washing and no special treatment. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, or the problem becomes recurrent, medical advice should be sought. Exclusion of children with head lice from school is only necessary until proper treatment has been given.
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Complications of Head Lice of its treatment
None serious. |
Likely Outcome of Head Lice
Cure possible with correct treatment. |
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