Anyone in close contact with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk of contracting the infection, but children are undoubtedly the most often are “colonized” with this annoying pest, especially between the ages of 3-11 years.
The reason can be traced to the type of activities that young children make and maintain close interaction between them to perform (including head to head contact). Head lice walk moves from one head to another, does not fly or jump. Other high-risk individuals are all adults directly involved in children’s activities, whether for professionals (teachers, instructors, pediatricians, etc.) Or family.
Sometimes they can get lice by contact with clothing such as hats, scarves, coats and other personal items (towels, brushes, etc..) Belonging to an infested person. Neither personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or in school have nothing to do with head lice in one person, in fact, is said to prefer clean hair. Girls are more prone, without knowing exactly why. We know that the lice do not have preferences for type, color and hair length.
What are the signs and symptoms of lice infestation?
Itching of the head, even at night when the child is asleep, because the secretions released by the louse when it sucks.
Skin hypersensitivity and inflammatory reaction also caused by the saliva of the louse.
Injuries resulting from scratch (skin erosions, crusting, etc.)..
Bacterial infections of the lesions caused by scratching.
Swollen glands in the neck area and especially in the nape, crown and pavilion behind the ears.
Irritability, malaise, headache, fever, etc.
How is the infection diagnosed?
The infestation can be diagnosed by looking closely at the scalp in search of nits or adult lice. The latter are not easy to find due to fleeing the light and move quickly, whereas nits are easier to see. Nits appear to the eye as a white or yellowish-brown spots, adhered strongly to the hair, so it costs to remove them. The distinguished from dandruff because it separates the hair with ease.
We must look for nits especially in the neck and behind the ears, close to the scalp (a few millimeters from the root of hair).
Adult lice search is facilitated if the hair is wet, since the movements of the parasite are more awkward. You can put a white towel over his shoulders to see better the lice that are falling.
What is the treatment for lice?
To achieve an effective treatment we perform three basic steps:
Louse treatment
Manual mechanical removal of lice and nits
Environmental measures to prevent transmission and reinfection.
Treatments
Within the louse can distinguish two major groups by their mode of action: the chemical louse (the most used classically) and the louse of physical action. The first are always applied on dry hair, accompanied by manual removal of lice and nits. Creams and lotions are more effective than shampoos that are diluted with water. After leaving the product work, wash the hair with normal shampoo, comb and allow to air dry.
The louse only be used in cases where there is infestation, their main and only mission is to remove the parasite. Not be used to prevent possible infections, both the possible side effects arising from the application of one of its compounds as the possibility of creating resistance to treatment.
The physics are louse insecticide action mechanism of which has a physical basis: remove lice without creating resistance or cause harmful effects. Formulated with silicone, its activity is in the lock fully encapsulates the louse because the parasite. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment, the application of the preparation should be repeated after seven days after application of the first dose. This will act on the lice that have hatched from nits have existed during the first phase of treatment. The preparation time spent on hair and scalp for maximum effectiveness must be from 8-12 h.
The louse, whether chemical or physical action should only be used in case of infestation, but never as a method of prevention
The preparations are characterized by being odorless and colorless. Thus the user accepts, however, are easy to implement and potentially irritating ingredients lacking, making them suitable formulations and well tolerated by asthmatics, infants and young children, pregnant women and infants or anyone who has problems dermatological (sensitive skin).
Manual mechanical removal is usually considered as a complementary measure to the chemical treatment of the infestation, as well as treatment with the louse, you must always perform a hairstyle with a narrow tooth comb or nit comb. It is convenient to make this look every 3 to 4 days for at least two weeks.
With regard to environmental measures, it should wash bedding and interior with very hot water (50 º C), if the nature of the garment does not enable this operation, we recommend cleaning with dry heat, spray with an insecticide and kept isolated in compartment or waterproof bag for several days should be soaking in alcohol or shampoo for lice-related utensils, hair care, such as combs, brushes, barrettes, tiaras and headbands gums for 30 minutes or even can dip them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
And vacuuming all carpets and upholstery by (both home and car).
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