What do you mean by “lice”?
The head lice, or Pediculus humanus capitis, is a tiny parasitic bug that attaches itself to the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. They can’t fly or jump, but lice crawl and hop on people’s shoulders. Human blood is fed to insects several times a day, and they often stay close to the scalp. It’s possible for adults to get head lice, too, in addition to children.
It’s possible for you or your child to see three types of lice: eggs (also known as nits), baby lice (commonly known as nymphs), and adults. When it comes to head lice, the most prevalent sightings are the little yellow, tan, or brown flecks that resemble dandruff. Even after they’ve hatched, it may be easier to find the hatchlings. Two weeks after they hatch, nymphs transform into adult lice.
As they come face-to-face, they begin to connect.
Young children at daycare or school are far more prone to contracting head lice than adults. Because they spend a lot of time with other kids, young people are especially at risk for getting diseases that spread easily.
A person may catch head lice via sharing clothing or other personal items, such as hats and brushes, but this is not as prevalent.
4 things to look out for
Some symptoms you or your child may experience if bed bugs have taken up residence on top of them are as follows:
- A rash appears on the scalp.
- Involuntary tingling or crawling sensations.
- Scratching causes head sores.
- Inability to get a good night’s rest because of the presence of head lice
There are effective medical solutions at hand.
If you or a member of your family has bug, your healthcare provider will prescribe a medication to kill the lice. Itching may persist for a few days after you begin taking the drug. There may be an opportunity to try oral medication if topical treatments fail.
Insects must be removed by hand from children under the age of two months old. ‘” Using petroleum jelly, mayonnaise, or essential oils to treat head lice is not recommended. Ineffective, they can cause skin irritation, and they may even worsen symptoms.
Younger children may benefit more from wet-combing, which involves combing their hair repeatedly with a rinse, olive oil, or vinegar. Once every three to four days is required for a maximum of two weeks. Discuss the best course of action with your child’s doctor.
Previously, if a child had lice, he or she would be sent home from school. HCPs now advise them to go to school as usual and return home for treatment afterwards, as is the custom. If you’re unsure about a particular school’s policies, speak with the school’s nurse or director. Remember that you and your child should avoid head-to-head contact with other people.
Preventing Infestation: 4 Steps
The life span of head lice is significantly reduced if they fall off, as they cannot feed without a human host. Even if a member of your family is infected with lice, it is crucial that your home be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the bugs from spreading. Do the following:
- Using hot water and the hottest dryer setting, wash and dry all of the affected person’s clothing and bedding.
- In order to keep your stuffed animals and other non-washable items safe, store them in airtight bags for two weeks.
- Make sure to vacuum the carpets in your home and car, as well as any upholstered furniture. The vacuum cleaner bag should be thrown away after the cleaning process is complete.
- Combs, hair ties, and brushes should be soaked in hot water for five to ten minutes (at least 130°F).
What you need to know to keep nits at bay
Your child’s or your own infestation of head lice does not mean that you or your family are unclean. It is possible, however, to prevent them from taking hold in the first place by developing the following habits:
When it comes to clothing, don’t share things like hats and scarves. Also, don’t share school supplies like pens and pencils. Keep your laundry clean by washing it on a regular basis.
Refrain from lying down on anything that has been touched by a person who has head lice.
After coming into contact with someone who has lice, be sure to check your entire family every three to four days.
Having lice in your family doesn’t mean you’re doomed, so don’t freak out. Despite the discomfort, safe and effective treatment options exist. Consult your HCP right away if you notice any insects.