What are lice in children? - briefly
Head lice are small, wingless parasites that inhabit the scalp and consume human blood, frequently affecting school‑age children. Infestation produces itching and is treated with medicated shampoos or prescription lotions.
What are lice in children? - in detail
Lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. In the pediatric population, the most common species is the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). An infestation, known as pediculosis, is identified by the presence of live insects, their eggs (nits), or bite marks that cause itching.
The life cycle consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Eggs are attached firmly to hair shafts near the scalp, usually within 1 cm of the root. They hatch in 7–10 days, releasing nymphs that resemble miniature adults. Nymphs mature into reproductive adults after another 7–10 days. An adult female can lay 5–10 eggs per day, producing up to 150 eggs over her lifespan of about 30 days. Because the entire cycle can be completed within three weeks, infestations spread rapidly in environments where children have close contact.
Transmission occurs primarily through direct head-to-head contact. Sharing personal items such as hats, hairbrushes, or headphones can also facilitate spread, although the insects do not survive more than 24 hours away from a host. Overcrowded settings, limited access to hygiene resources, and inadequate treatment increase prevalence.
Clinical signs include:
- Persistent pruritus, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck
- Visible live lice moving on the scalp
- Nits attached to hair shafts, appearing as oval, white or yellowish dots
- Small, red papules or excoriations caused by scratching
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection using a fine-tooth comb or magnification. A thorough search should cover the entire scalp, focusing on the posterior hairline and behind the ears. Removing a single live louse confirms infestation; the presence of multiple nits within 1 cm of the scalp also indicates active disease.
Effective management combines chemical and mechanical methods:
- Topical pediculicides – FDA‑approved products containing permethrin 1 % or dimethicone 4 % applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration, then rinsed.
- Nit removal – Fine-tooth combing of wet, conditioned hair for 10–15 minutes, repeated every 2–3 days for two weeks, eliminates remaining eggs.
- Environmental control – Wash bedding, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstery to capture stray lice.
- Follow‑up – Re‑examine the scalp 7–10 days after initial treatment; a second application may be necessary if live insects persist.
Prevention strategies emphasize early detection and avoidance of head-to-head contact during play, regular head checks in school settings, and education of caregivers about proper treatment protocols. Prompt, thorough intervention curtails transmission and reduces the risk of secondary skin infections caused by scratching.