Head lice infestation: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Head lice infestation | |||
| image = [[File:Riehl_Zumbusch_Tafel_XXVII_(1).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = ''[[Pediculus humanus capitis]]'' | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Pediculosis capitis]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Itching]], [[tickling sensation]], [[irritability]] | |||
| complications = [[Secondary bacterial infection]] | |||
| onset = [[Preschool]] and [[school-aged children]] | |||
| duration = [[Weeks]] to [[months]] | |||
| causes = [[Infestation]] with ''[[Pediculus humanus capitis]]'' | |||
| risks = [[Close contact]], [[sharing personal items]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Visual inspection]], [[fine-toothed comb]] | |||
| differential = [[Dandruff]], [[seborrheic dermatitis]], [[scabies]] | |||
| prevention = [[Avoiding head-to-head contact]], [[not sharing personal items]] | |||
| treatment = [[Topical insecticides]], [[wet combing]] | |||
| medication = [[Permethrin]], [[ivermectin]] | |||
| frequency = Common in [[children]] | |||
}} | |||
= Head Lice Infestation (Pediculosis Capitis) = | = Head Lice Infestation (Pediculosis Capitis) = | ||
[[File:Head Infested With Louse.jpg|left|thumb|''Pediculus humanus capitis'', the head louse responsible for head lice infestation.]] | |||
[[File:Head Infested With Louse.jpg|thumb|''Pediculus humanus capitis'', the head louse responsible for head lice infestation.]] | == Introduction == | ||
== | |||
[[Pediculosis capitis]], commonly known as '''head lice infestation''', is a condition characterized by the infestation of the scalp by the head louse (''Pediculus humanus capitis''). This condition predominantly affects children but can occur in people of all ages. | [[Pediculosis capitis]], commonly known as '''head lice infestation''', is a condition characterized by the infestation of the scalp by the head louse (''Pediculus humanus capitis''). This condition predominantly affects children but can occur in people of all ages. | ||
== Causes and Transmission == | == Causes and Transmission == | ||
Head lice are transmitted primarily through direct head-to-head contact. They crawl from one person's hair to another's. Indirect transmission via shared personal items like combs, hats, and pillows, although less common, is also possible. | Head lice are transmitted primarily through direct head-to-head contact. They crawl from one person's hair to another's. Indirect transmission via shared personal items like combs, hats, and pillows, although less common, is also possible. | ||
[[File:Head louse (251 28) Larva and eggs, from a human host.jpg|left|thumb|Lice visible on the scalp, a common sign of infestation.]] | |||
[[File:Head louse (251 28) Larva and eggs, from a human host.jpg|thumb | |||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptoms of head lice infestation include: | The primary symptoms of head lice infestation include: | ||
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* '''Red Bumps:''' Small red bumps may appear on the scalp, neck, and shoulders. | * '''Red Bumps:''' Small red bumps may appear on the scalp, neck, and shoulders. | ||
* '''Difficulty Sleeping:''' Increased lice activity at night can disrupt sleep. | * '''Difficulty Sleeping:''' Increased lice activity at night can disrupt sleep. | ||
<youtube> | <youtube> | ||
title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/BrsrDNjuoQc | movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/BrsrDNjuoQc | ||
&rel=1 | &rel=1 | ||
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height=600 | height=600 | ||
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=== First-time vs. Repeat Infestations === | === First-time vs. Repeat Infestations === | ||
* '''First-time Infestations''': It may take up to six weeks for symptoms to appear. | * '''First-time Infestations''': It may take up to six weeks for symptoms to appear. | ||
* '''Repeat Infestations''': Symptoms can manifest much more rapidly in subsequent infestations. | * '''Repeat Infestations''': Symptoms can manifest much more rapidly in subsequent infestations. | ||
== Health Impact == | == Health Impact == | ||
In Europe and North America, head lice are not known to spread other diseases. The primary concern is the discomfort and potential for secondary infections caused by scratching. | In Europe and North America, head lice are not known to spread other diseases. The primary concern is the discomfort and potential for secondary infections caused by scratching. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis involves visual inspection, often aided by a fine-tooth comb. The presence of nits (lice eggs) attached to hair shafts is a key differentiator from conditions like dandruff. | Diagnosis involves visual inspection, often aided by a fine-tooth comb. The presence of nits (lice eggs) attached to hair shafts is a key differentiator from conditions like dandruff. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription medications. Following the application instructions is crucial. Home care practices include: | Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription medications. Following the application instructions is crucial. Home care practices include: | ||
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* Vacuuming living areas. | * Vacuuming living areas. | ||
* Refraining from sharing personal hair care items. | * Refraining from sharing personal hair care items. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention strategies involve avoiding direct head-to-head contact and not sharing personal items like hats and brushes. Regular hair inspections, especially in children, are effective for early detection. | Prevention strategies involve avoiding direct head-to-head contact and not sharing personal items like hats and brushes. Regular hair inspections, especially in children, are effective for early detection. | ||
== Societal and Psychological Impact == | == Societal and Psychological Impact == | ||
There is often a stigma associated with head lice infestations, leading to misconceptions about cleanliness and hygiene. Education is key in dispelling these myths and reducing stigma. | There is often a stigma associated with head lice infestations, leading to misconceptions about cleanliness and hygiene. Education is key in dispelling these myths and reducing stigma. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Ectoparasites]] | * [[Ectoparasites]] | ||
* [[Children's Health]] | * [[Children's Health]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
* [https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/index.html CDC - Head Lice Information] | * [https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/index.html CDC - Head Lice Information] | ||
* [https://www.who.int World Health Organization] | * [https://www.who.int World Health Organization] | ||
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov NCBI Resources on Pediculosis Capitis] | * [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov NCBI Resources on Pediculosis Capitis] | ||
[[Category:Parasitic infestations]] | [[Category:Parasitic infestations]] | ||
[[Category:Children's health]] | [[Category:Children's health]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:33, 7 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Head lice infestation | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | Pediculosis capitis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Itching, tickling sensation, irritability |
| Complications | Secondary bacterial infection |
| Onset | Preschool and school-aged children |
| Duration | Weeks to months |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Infestation with Pediculus humanus capitis |
| Risks | Close contact, sharing personal items |
| Diagnosis | Visual inspection, fine-toothed comb |
| Differential diagnosis | Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, scabies |
| Prevention | Avoiding head-to-head contact, not sharing personal items |
| Treatment | Topical insecticides, wet combing |
| Medication | Permethrin, ivermectin |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in children |
| Deaths | N/A |
Head Lice Infestation (Pediculosis Capitis)[edit]
Introduction[edit]
Pediculosis capitis, commonly known as head lice infestation, is a condition characterized by the infestation of the scalp by the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). This condition predominantly affects children but can occur in people of all ages.
Causes and Transmission[edit]
Head lice are transmitted primarily through direct head-to-head contact. They crawl from one person's hair to another's. Indirect transmission via shared personal items like combs, hats, and pillows, although less common, is also possible.
_Larva_and_eggs,_from_a_human_host.jpg)
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptoms of head lice infestation include:
- Itching: The most common symptom, caused by an allergic reaction to louse bites.
- Red Bumps: Small red bumps may appear on the scalp, neck, and shoulders.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Increased lice activity at night can disrupt sleep.
First-time vs. Repeat Infestations[edit]
- First-time Infestations: It may take up to six weeks for symptoms to appear.
- Repeat Infestations: Symptoms can manifest much more rapidly in subsequent infestations.
Health Impact[edit]
In Europe and North America, head lice are not known to spread other diseases. The primary concern is the discomfort and potential for secondary infections caused by scratching.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis involves visual inspection, often aided by a fine-tooth comb. The presence of nits (lice eggs) attached to hair shafts is a key differentiator from conditions like dandruff.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription medications. Following the application instructions is crucial. Home care practices include:
- Washing clothing and bedding in hot water.
- Vacuuming living areas.
- Refraining from sharing personal hair care items.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention strategies involve avoiding direct head-to-head contact and not sharing personal items like hats and brushes. Regular hair inspections, especially in children, are effective for early detection.
Societal and Psychological Impact[edit]
There is often a stigma associated with head lice infestations, leading to misconceptions about cleanliness and hygiene. Education is key in dispelling these myths and reducing stigma.
