What Is Pediculosis?
Every year, millions of people worldwide are affected by pediculosis or louse infestation, which has been reported in all countries and socioeconomic classes. Lice are parasitic obligate insects with no free-living stage in their life cycle. They are spread through direct skin-to-skin or fomite-to-skin contact, and symptoms usually do not appear for three to four weeks.
Human parasites include head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), pubic or crab louse (Pthirus pubis), and body louse (Pediculus humanus). Head lice are the most common lice that cross all socioeconomic barriers, whereas body lice are more common in homeless and displaced populations and should be suspected in these populations when there are signs of scratching, poor hygiene, especially during the colder months.
What Are the Symptoms of Pediculosis?
The symptoms of pediculosis include:
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Itchy scalp.
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Having the sensation of something crawling on the scalp.
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Scratching causes sores and scabs on the scalp.
How Is Pediculosis Diagnosed?
Pediculosis is diagnosed by:
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By examining the hair near the scalp for lice.
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Checking the hair near the scalp for nits using fine-toothed lice comb to catch lice and nits starting from the scalp.
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The nits are dark in color, and the hatched lice are light in color.
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Adult lice reproduce quickly. Nits on the scalp are evidence of head lice.
It is simple to distinguish between nits and dandruff flakes or other debris in the hair. The majority of debris should be easily removed. Nits will appear to be glued to the hair.
Head lice are spreadable. If one person in the family has them, others may have as well. Checking everyone in the house for lice every few days is a good idea.
How Is Pediculosis Treated?
There are several head lice treatments on the market. The majority of treatments will need to be used twice. After a week to nine days, the second treatment will kill any newly hatched nits.
The following are some of the most common head lice treatments:
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Head lice treatments are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. In over-the-counter head lice treatment, two types of chemicals are commonly used. Pyrethrin is a pesticide derived from the flowers of chrysanthemums. It is safe to use in people over the age of two. If you are allergic to chrysanthemums or ragweed, avoid using pyrethrin. Permethrin is a synthetic pesticide related to pyrethrin. It is safe to use in children aged two months and up.
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Other chemicals may be included in prescription lice treatments. Aromatic alcohol and benzyl alcohol lotion is used to treat head lice in people aged six months and up. Malathion is a pesticide that contains organophosphates. It is used to treat lice in people over the age of six. It is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Malathion is a flammable chemical. When using this product, keep it away from open flames and heat sources such as hair dryers.
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Lindane is a pesticide with an organochlorine structure. It is available as a lotion or a shampoo. Lindane is typically used only as a last resort. It has the potential to cause serious side effects such as seizures and death. Premature babies and people with a history of seizures should not use Lindane. To reduce the risk of side effects, avoid taking more than one medication at a time. Do not take any medication more frequently than prescribed.
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To remove lice without using pesticides, use a fine-toothed lice comb or a flea comb (available at pet stores). Before combing your hair, apply olive oil to it. This will aid in the adhesion of lice and nits to the comb. Begin combing at the scalp and work your way to the ends of your hair. This should be repeated every two to three days until there are no more signs of lice or nits.
How to Get Rid of the Louse on Household Items?
There is no reason to use pesticides around the house. Lice cannot live off the head for more than a couple of days. In order to eradicate lice completely, the following methods can be used:
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Clothing and bedding should be washed in hot water (130°F [54°C] or higher) and dried on high heat.
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Clothes and bedding should be dry-cleaned.
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Soak combs, hairbrushes, barrettes, and other hair accessories in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes at 130°F (54°C).
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Floors and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed.
How Can Patients Be Educated?
Noncompliance is a common cause of treatment failure. Patients should be educated on the proper methods for administering medications, including the amount to be used and the duration of treatment. They should also be made aware of the importance of retreatment in seven to ten days. Furthermore, patients and caregivers should be advised that infested bedding, clothing, and towels should be washed in hot water and dried on a high heat setting. Parents and children should be taught not to share headgear such as hats and hair bows. Proper body hygiene, at least weekly clothing changes, and proper clothing laundering are all steps to help prevent re-infestation of body lice after eradication. Sexual partners of patients with pubic lice should also be treated.
What Are the Complications of Pediculosis?
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Embarrassment in public.
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Skin breakdown, resulting in secondary bacterial infection (impetigo and pyoderma).
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Human transmission of trench fever, relapsing fever, and epidemic typhus (body lice only).
Conclusion:
In general, louse infestations have a good prognosis. When used correctly, the medications are very effective at eradicating nymphs and mature lice. Treatment failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of ovicidal activity, failure to remove lice nits, noncompliance, particularly with retreatment in seven to ten days, insufficient application of the pediculicide (that is, duration and amount), failure to treat close contacts, insufficient environmental eradication, and drug resistance to the pediculicide. Some patients with body lice may develop a louse-borne infection, such as trench fever, typhus, or recurrent fever, but this is uncommon.
