Lice are the nightmare of all mothers and children. They are annoying and difficult to eradicate, they continue to create many problems. Let's find out more about these pesky parasites together.
La pediculosis It is an infestation caused by lice, hematophagous parasitic insects, without wings, with six legs provided with special hooks that allow adherence to the hair and scalp. Equipped with a mouth apparatus that pierces the skin, allowing the louse to suck blood and inject a stinging liquid that, being also slightly anesthetic, means that the infestation and bites cannot be immediately noticed, damaging the host's skin.
Lice: Spread and Infections
Lice on the head are grayish brown and are difficult to see because they are usually confused with the color of the hair. Along with their eggs, nitsThey nest more easily in the nape of the neck, the temples and behind the ears. They feed on blood and, if removed from the scalpThey survive a maximum of 2-3 days. The most characteristic symptom, but not always present, is itching on the scalp.
Today children and young people have many opportunities to socialize, from school to the gym or after school. The infection is caused by direct contact with an infested person or indirectly by exchanging combs, brushes, tweezers, etc. Even articles of clothing, such as hats and scarves, can pass lice from one guest to another.
Lice, how to recognize them
La louse length it is about 2-4 mm, but the nits (ie eggs) are less than a millimeter in size. The latter have a nacreous color (unlike lice, which are darker), and hatch after 7-8 days. They need an optimal temperature of 32°C. They release the nymphs which, after a period of about two weeks, finish their maturation process, becoming lice capable of reproducing. The female louse can lay up to 5 eggs per day.
The described life cycle is common to the three species of lice that generally parasitize humans:
- the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis);
- the body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis);
- pubic louse (Phtirus pubis).
Head lice are called parasites because they they cannot survive long distances from the host.
How pediculosis manifests itself
Pediculosis manifests itself with intense itching that leads to scratching and rubbing the itchy areas, sometimes causing abrasions.
In addition to the symptoms of itching, it is necessary, for the diagnosis, to find nits and adult lice, especially concentrated behind the ears or on the nape of the neck. It is possible to establish how long the infestation has been going on by evaluating the proximity of the eggs to the scalp (if they are far away, it means that the infestation has already occurred in the previous days or weeks).
The eggs they cannot be confused with dandruff, since the latter is easily removable. The nits, on the other hand, remain attached to the hair, so it is necessary to comb them wet.
It consists of combing the hair, from the root to the ends, using a fine tooth comb. This technique is, in fact, also an effective therapy and represents, together with the inspection of the head, the only way to prevent pediculosis.
In fact, although it is common to believe that they should be used pesticide products to prevent infestation, they are actually useless and even harmful if used in the absence of the parasite.
How to prevent head lice
It is necessary that, in addition to what has been said, people and children be educated so that adopt correct behaviors, aimed at reducing the probability of contagion.
Lice do not jump from one head to another! They are transmitted by direct contact. Therefore, it is necessary not to exchange hats, hair clips, scarves, towels, combs or personal effects that could be considered a "vehicle to move lice".
Having confirmed that the infestation occurs more frequently in crowded places (as the probability of having direct contact with other people increases), and that the most affected age groups are schoolchildren and preschoolers, it would be necessary and essential for parents and health personnel to periodically inspect the children's heads in schools. It is advisable to tell children not to exchange personal belongings with their classmates and to keep them in a locker that should never be shared by several students.
In case of school infestation, families should also undergo systematic checks, especially in the presence of other children.
How to get rid of head lice
The treatment is carried out with a specific pesticide and continuing with garment checks and wet combing at least every 3-4 days. removal of eggs by using this particular fine-toothed comb it can be facilitated by the use of a solution of water and vinegar, since the latter is capable of discouraging the adherence of nits to the hair. Contrary to popular belief, the vinegar cannot substitute for a specific product, only favors the "detachment" of the eggs.
The products generally used are in the form of shampoos, emulsions, gels, powders and creams. The best known and most effective seem to be those based on synthetic Pyrethroids, which may include Permethrin. The latter is usually presented as an emulsion that, after application, must be left to act for about 10 minutes and then removed with water. This molecule is well tolerated, although its use is not recommended in children under six months.
El malathion (organophosphate pesticide) is a second choice product that can be used in case of resistance to pyrethrins. It usually comes in the form of a gel or shampoo, and can be used from the age of 6, as it has not been tested on younger children.
A single application of these products, along with wet combing done both after treatment and often during the infestation period, is usually effective in eradicating lice. it is advisable to repeat the application of the product after eight days.
White Vaseline is useful in the event that the infestation also affects eyelashes and eyebrows. It should be applied three times a day for 10 days.
Myths that don't work
Among the myths to dispel is that of the existence of a preventive product that, as has already been said, does not exist. It is useless to start treatment if there is no real lice infestation.
Having head lice does not indicate poor hygiene. but, since it is transmitted by contact, which occurs more easily in crowded places and between children.
Things to keep in mind
In addition to carefully inspecting garments and avoiding the exchange of personal effects, it is important that clothes and sheets are washed with water at 60°C.
All objects that come into contact with the infested person should be wrapped in a plastic bag and kept closed for about two weeks.
Personal items such as tweezers or combs are submerged in hot water for about 10-15 minutes.