head Lice Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Head lice infection is caused by a parasite of the Pediculus humanus capitis type. This type of lice is unique and different from lice found on the genitals.
Besides having a different shape, head lice and pubic lice also have differences in movement speed. Head lice move very quickly while pubic lice move more slowly.
Anyone can get head lice. However, this condition most often occurs in the age range of 3–11 years, when children are in school. Based on gender, girls suffer from head lice more than boys.
Symptom
Head lice infections often occur without any initial symptoms. Along with the proliferation of fleas, the symptoms of infection will become more visible. The dominant complaint is generally felt itching on the scalp. These symptoms usually appear 4–6 weeks after first infection.
Apart from itching, other symptoms that can accompany them include:
- Sensation like something is crawling on the scalp
- Hard to sleep
- Wounds on the scalp due to scratching
Reason
Head lice are generally spread from hair to hair by direct contact. Although rare, head lice can also be spread through shared objects. For example combs, towels, sheets, pillowcases, clothes and carpets.
Head lice rarely spread through objects because adult lice cannot survive long outside the human body. Lice need blood as food to survive. Without food, fleas can only survive for 1–2 days and then die.
In its life cycle, fleas have three forms, namely:
- Egg. The egg shape is quite difficult to identify and is often camouflaged by the presence of dandruff or dripping hairspray. They are round in shape, 2–3 millimeters in size and yellowish in color.
- Larva or nymph. Nymphs are fleas that have just hatched and take 2–3 weeks to grow into adults.
- Adult lice. Adult head lice are about the size of a sesame seed and can live for 30 days attached to hair and feed on the blood of their host.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of head lice is determined on the basis of finding adult lice on the hair shaft or scalp.
It is not easy to do a physical examination of head lice, because adult lice move very quickly and avoid being exposed to light. To make it easier to find adult fleas, a fine-toothed comb or ‘serit comb’ can be used as a tool.
Finding eggs alone in the absence of adult lice is not a basis for diagnosis. These eggs may have hatched or may actually be dead and do not require further therapy.
Treatment
To treat head lice completely, the steps that must be taken are as follows:
- Get rid of all the cloth used
- Use flea medication, and pediculicide, according to instructions.
- If within 8–12 hours adult fleas are found but their movements are slower. That is, the treatment was successful and no need for repeat treatment.
However, if within this duration adult fleas are still found that are still moving fast, then re-treatment is needed. Because this means the treatment given is not effective. - Comb your hair regularly using fine-toothed teeth every 2–3 days to prevent re-infection.
- Do the treatment a second time in 7–10 days.
Prevention
To prevent the spread of head lice, you should take the following steps:
- Avoid hair contact with shared items such as toys and rugs.
- Avoid sharing personal objects that touch hair such as combs, towels, and hats.
- Soak the comb used by the patient in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash clothes and fabrics that had contact with the patient’s hair in hot water and dry them in the hot sun. Items that cannot be washed should be stored in a tightly closed container for 2 weeks.
- Clean sofas and similar furniture with a vacuum cleaner regularly.