Head lice
are tiny parasitic insects that infest the hair on your head. They
survive by feeding on blood and they feed once or more per day. Up to
12 million people get headlice each year in the United States alone. A
similar problem, body lice, is less common in developed countries.
The most
common symptom identifying head lice is scalp itching. The itchiness is
caused by the saliva and feces of the lice, which irritate the skin.
Despite being the primary symptom of a headlouse infestation, an itchy
scalp is not grounds for a diagnosis of headlice. To make a proper
diagnosis, it is necessary to make a thorough examination of the head,
and headlice should only be diagnosed if you find an actual live,
crawling headlouse specimen. It is imperative to properly diagnose
headlice, because only people with an actual headlouse problem should
be treated with the chemical shampoos or soaps that are used to kill
lice.
Finding
headlice on someone who has it isn't difficult; lice are most
frequently found at the nape of the neck and base of the ears, and the
insects can be seen by the naked eye. Lice are unable to fly or jump,
so it is unlikely they will stray from their given host unless there is
a lot of head-to-head contact. However, if lice are discovered it is a
good idea to inspect the rest of the household members hair to prevent
possible headlouse re-infestations. Lice generally do no survive on
pets, but you may find the odd insect on your pet, so be sure to check
them as well.
Headlice are
more of a nuisance than a significant health issue. Headlice are not
known to transmit diseases and after treatment, lice usually disappear
after two weeks. There are many shampoos and louse treatments available
on the market. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise which
option is the best for your family. There are fine tooth combs
available for removing lice and the nits (eggs) in the hair; this works
alone or coupled with a shampoo.
Head lice
are transmitted from direct head to head contact most regularly, and
less often through combs or hair pins, so it is not necessary to
isolate yourself or your child if you have been diagnosed with
headlice. If, after the application of two pediculicides (insecticide
products), the lice are still present, see your doctor for prescribed
medications that will assist the removal of persistent lice. Some lice
are resistant to some shampoos or method of lice removal, but there are
many available for use.
Remember
that headlice isn't caused by poor hygiene; it is a common occurrence
in elementary school-aged children and adults with children in their
household. Because lice are so easily killed, there is no need for
panic, but it is a good idea to launder in hot water clothing, bed
sheets, pillows and toys that have come into contact with someone with
head lice. Stuffed animals can also be put into bags and stuck in the
freezer to kill off any errant lice. Both of these methods
will kill the lice and the eggs.
It was a
shock to discover I had head lice, so I researched into it and found
that it is usually healthy hair that is most affected. I made the most
of my research by creating a website for helping people with head lice
at www.headlousecure.com.
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Prestwich
|
