Head Lice Infestation among Young Children

The head lice are parasitic insects that can be found among human hair on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. They feed on small amount of human blood. The prevalence of infestation with head lice is the highest among pre-school children. Hence, understanding head lice infestation and its management will come in useful for parents with young children.

What is head lice infestation?

Head lice appears in three forms: the egg (or the nit), the nymph and the adult. The eggs are laid at the base of the hair shaft, near the scalp. As they usually appear yellow or white, and are often confused with dandruff, scabs or hair spray droplets. The eggs hatch into nymphs eight to nine days later; the nymphs take another nine to 12 days to mature into adults. An adult head louse can look like a six-legged sesame seed, with the colour ranging from tan to grayish-white.

The nymph and adult must feed on blood to survive. An adult can live for 30 days on a person’s head. Head lice and nits are most commonly found on the scalp, especially around and behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the head. However, it will only survive for a maximum of two days if it falls off a person.

The common complaints during an infestation include tickling feeling of something moving in the hair. The bites of head lice can also cause itching, due to the allergic reaction towards the saliva of the lice. If the child scratches his or her head, this could also lead to sores, which may become infected.

Head lice can be highly contagious, especially in young children involved in group settings. Although these parasites do not hop or fly, having head-to-head contact can allow these insects to crawl from one scalp to another. Besides that, other uncommon ways of spreading head lice include sharing of personal items, such as hats, combs and bed linens. Interestingly, pets do not spread head lice to humans.

How to manage head lice infestations?

Treatment should be started as soon as head lice is observed. Individuals who shared the same bed should also be checked for head lice. If the other household members are infested too, they should be treated at the same time.

• Treatment using over-the-counter (OTC) medication

Medication to treat head lice can be obtained from the pharmacy. Apply the medication according to the instructions stated on the box. Generally, the instructions include applying the medication all over the scalp, behind the ears and the back of the neck. Leave the medication for a stipulated time, before rinsing off the medication with warm water. Dry the hair with a clean towel. After that, use a nit comb to remove the dead lice and nits.

• Supplementary measures to prevent reinfestation

Simple steps to prevent reinfestation include washing the clothing and personal items that was used two days before the treatment using hot water (130°F) laundry cycle, followed by at least 20 minutes of high heat drying cycle. Soak combs or hair ties in hot water (at least 130°F) for five to 10 minutes. For items that cannot be washed, alternatives include dry cleaning or keeping them in an airtight bag for at least three days. Vacuuming carpets and furniture that the infested person stayed or laid on may be helpful too.

Bottom line

Head lice is easily spread. Having head lice does not indicate poor hygiene. With proper treatment, head lice can be thoroughly eradicated. However, if the condition persists after two weeks of treatment, or if infection of the scalp is observed, consult a doctor.

Reference

1. Head lice
2. Parasites –Frequently asked questions (CDC) 
3. Parasites – Treatment (CDC)
4. Permethrin topical (Medline Plus)
5. Lindane (Medline Plus)

If you would like to make an appointment with a general practitioner: 

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Tags

• Head lice
• nit
• parasite