Head lice are tiny insects that infest the scalp and hair of humans.
They feed on blood from the scalp and reproduce by laying eggs, known as nits, which attach firmly to the hair shafts near the scalp.
Head lice infestations, known as pediculosis, are highly contagious.
They are very common, especially among children aged 3 to 11 years old.
These insects can be transmitted through close personal contact, such as sharing combs, brushes, hats, or bedding with a person who got head lice.
Symptoms of head lice infestation can vary between individuals.
Most common signs and symptoms include the following.
Persistent itching on the scalp, neck, and ears, which is the most common symptom of head lice infestation.
Some individuals may experience a tickling sensation or a feeling of something moving in the hair, especially with severe infestation.
Sometimes, the adult lice may be visible on crawling on the scalp or hair.
In addition, tiny, oval-shaped eggs can be seen attached to hair shafts.
Unlike dandruff, eggs are difficult to remove, and are firmly attached to the hair shafts.
Intense itching and consequent scratching leads to ulceration of the scalp, which increases the risk of bacterial infection.
Patients will also have difficulty sleeping and irritability.
Head lice infestation can be diagnosed by visual inspection of the scalp to identify the lice and their eggs.
Several methods can be used for this purpose.
Examination of the scalp using a fine-toothed comb and good lighting.
Wet combing, which involves wetting the hair with a conditioner and removing lice and eggs using a fine-toothed comb.
After combing, the lice can be examined for further confirmation.
Some centers use specialized detection devices to visualize head lice.
There are several Over the Counter products available for treating head lice infestation.
These products usually contain active ingredients such as pyrethrins or permethrin, which are insecticides that kill lice.
Regardless of the treatment used, manual removal of lice and nits is an essential part of the treatment process.
After applying the medication or treatment, use a fine-toothed comb to carefully comb through the hair section by section, removing dead lice and nits. This process may need to be repeated several times over the course of a few weeks to ensure complete eradication.
Finally, to prevent reinfestation, it's essential to clean and disinfect personal items and household surfaces that may have come into contact with lice.
Wash bedding, clothing, hats, and towels in hot water and dry them on the hot cycle.
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats, and seal items that cannot be washed in plastic bags for a few weeks.
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