Lice
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Lice are parasitic insects which live on hairy parts of the body and feed on human blood. There are three kinds of lice: head lice, body lice and pubic lice. They can be transmitted in a variety of ways, depending on the particular site of infestation.
Head Lice:
Head lice live on the scalp, especially behind the ears and on the back of the head. They usually attach themselves to the root of the hair. Their tiny round eggs, called nits, are also attached to the hair shaft.
This type of lice usually spreads from an infested person to others by the sharing of personal items such as combs, brushes, towels, linens, scarves and headwear. The primary symptom of head lice infestation is intense itching of the scalp. Careful examination of the hair will reveal the small, silvery eggs attached to the individual hairs.
Body Lice:
Body lice live and feed on all parts of the body. These lice do not attach themselves to hair shafts, but rather they live and deposit their eggs in the clothing or bed linens of an infested person. They move along the persons body only when feeding. Body lice and their eggs (also called nits) are spread by direct physical contact with the infested persons, their clothing, or bed linens.
The main symptom of body lice infestation is itching
that may be generalized or may shift from one spot to another. This itch
frequently occurs when the person is sleeping. Also tiny bite marks can be
found around the waist and between the shoulders.
Pubic Lice:
Pubic lice usually are found in the genital region, but are sometimes found on eyelashes, mustaches, or under the arm. Pubic lice are frequently the color and size of small freckles.
Pubic lice are spread through direct physical contact with an infested person. Occasionally, pubic lice can also be spread indirectly through the use of infested clothing, towels, bedding, and sometimes through contaminated toilet seats.
An infestation of pubic lice may cause no symptoms initially. Then intense persistent itch in the genital-rectal area will develop. Close examination will reveal the adult lice and the nits attached to the pubic hairs.
Treatment of Lice:
Treatment of head, body, or pubic lice involves the use of a pediculicide, which is a lice-killing product in shampoo or liquid form. Some products can be purchased without a prescription; a more effective medication is available by prescription. Any of these medications must be used strictly according to the directions to reduce the risk of skin irritation and more serious complications.
To be certain of an accurate diagnosis of the problem, and to eliminate the possibility of other infections which may be present as well, the student concerned about lice infestation should visit his/her health practitioner for an examination. Re-infestation can be prevented by washing all clothes, linens, and towels, in hot water and detergent.
A pediculicide can be used on upholstery, carpeting, or other objects where lice and their eggs may linger. The sexual partner(s) or others who may have been exposed to lice infestation by an individual should be notified so that they may obtain appropriate treatment if necessary.