What causes lice to appear in children's hair, what are the symptoms and treatment? - briefly
Head lice infestations in children arise from close personal contact, sharing of combs, hats, bedding, or exposure to environments where the insects are present. Symptoms include itching, visible nits attached to hair shafts, and occasional scalp redness, while treatment consists of applying a topical pediculicide according to label directions, followed by meticulous combing and cleaning of personal items.
What causes lice to appear in children's hair, what are the symptoms and treatment? - in detail
Lice infestations in children arise primarily from direct head‑to‑head contact, shared personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones, and environments where close interaction is frequent, for example schools or sports teams. Additional contributors include infrequent hair washing, crowded living conditions, and insufficient awareness of preventive measures.
Typical clinical manifestations include:
- Small, translucent insects attached to the scalp, often visible near the hairline or behind the ears.
- Itching caused by the bite of the female louse, which releases saliva that irritates the skin.
- Presence of tiny, white eggs (nits) firmly glued to the shaft of each hair strand, usually within a centimeter of the scalp.
- Occasionally, redness or secondary bacterial infection resulting from excessive scratching.
Effective management follows a three‑step protocol:
- Chemical or physical eradication – Apply a pediculicide approved for pediatric use, such as a 1 % permethrin lotion, and follow the manufacturer’s timing instructions precisely. Alternative non‑chemical options include a fine‑toothed nit comb applied to wet hair after a conditioning treatment.
- Environmental decontamination – Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent hatching.
- Follow‑up examination – Re‑inspect the scalp after seven days to confirm the absence of live lice and nits; repeat treatment if any live insects are detected.
Preventive strategies emphasize regular head inspections, avoidance of sharing hair accessories, and education of caregivers and school staff about early detection. Implementing these measures reduces the likelihood of recurrence and limits the spread within communal settings.