What are children suffering from lice? - briefly
Head lice infestation causes intense scalp itching, redness, and may lead to secondary bacterial infection. Effective management involves applying a topical pediculicide and repeatedly combing wet hair to eliminate live lice and nits.
What are children suffering from lice? - in detail
Children who acquire head‑lice infestations experience a series of characteristic signs and clinical effects. The parasite, Pediculus humanus capitis, clings to hair shafts and feeds on scalp blood. Initial irritation appears as a mild, localized itching that intensifies after several days, caused by an allergic reaction to saliva injected during feeding. Scratching may produce secondary bacterial infection, evidenced by redness, crusting, or pustules.
Key observable features include:
- Live insects, approximately 2–3 mm in length, visible near the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Nits (lice eggs) attached firmly to the hair shaft, appearing as tiny, whitish or yellowish ovals. They resist removal by simple combing and are often mistaken for dandruff.
- Presence of “scratch marks” or excoriations resulting from persistent pruritus.
Transmission occurs primarily through direct head‑to‑head contact, common in classrooms, playgrounds, and sports teams. Indirect spread via shared combs, hats, helmets, or bedding is less frequent but possible when items remain in close proximity for extended periods.
Management follows a three‑step protocol:
- Pharmacologic eradication – Application of a topical pediculicide containing either permethrin (1 %) or dimethicone (4 %). Treatment is repeated after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice that survived the initial dose.
- Mechanical removal – Use of a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair to extract live insects and nits. Repetition every 2–3 days for two weeks reduces residual infestation.
- Environmental control – Washing clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation. Vacuuming upholstered furniture and car seats eliminates detached lice.
Preventive measures focus on minimizing head contact and maintaining personal hygiene. Regular inspection of hair, especially after group activities, enables early detection. Educational programs in schools that emphasize avoiding the sharing of headgear and prompt reporting of symptoms contribute to reduced prevalence.
Complications, though uncommon, may include intense allergic reactions, scalp inflammation, and, in severe cases, psychological distress due to stigma. Timely identification and systematic treatment mitigate these outcomes and restore comfort for affected children.