How are head lice spread?
 By James Sameul
The head louse, Pediculus capitis humanus, is by no means a new nuisance. The insect has been an unwelcome companion to humans, probably from the beginning, as with its close relatives, the body louse and the pubic (or crab) louse. Head lice infestations seem to be on the rise in recent years - as almost any parent of an elementry-age child can tell you.
A parent's first reaction to head lice is often revulsion, sometimes accompanied by a sense of shame, due to the misperception that head lice only live on "dirty" people. In truth, the only thing that the presence of head lice tells about children is that they've been around other kids with head lice.
Head lice (Pediculus capitis) affects only humans, and cannot be passed on to, or caught from animals. Infestation with head lice is also known as pediculosis.
Head lice are tiny (pin-head sized) grey-brown, wingless insects, which live by sucking blood from the scalp. Their eggs are known as nits and they are laid glued to the base of hairs, and look like tiny white specks.
How are head lice spread? Anyone can get head lice. Having head lice does not mean a person is unclean. Head lice are commonly spread among children and adults who may stay close together in one place, such as in child care settings and schools. Head lice cannot jump or fly from one person to another. Although less likely, head lice can also be spread by children sharing hats, combs, hairbrushes or headphones.
Can head lice be prevented? It may be difficult to prevent head lice from spreading among children, but the following are some steps you can take to help keep lice away: · Ask your child not to share combs, brushes or hair decorations. · Ask your child not to try on hats that belong to other children. · If your child will be sleeping away from home, be sure to pack his or her own pillow and towels. What are the symptoms? Some people have no symptoms, or may not notice the lice or eggs, so you may not know whether you or a partner has pubic lice. It can take several weeks after coming into contact with pubic lice before any symptoms appear.
You might notice: · Itching in the affected areas · Black powdery droppings from the lice in underwear · Brown eggs on pubic or other body hair · Irritation and inflammation in the affected area, sometimes caused by scratching · Sky-blue dots (which disappear within a few days) or very tiny specks of blood on the skin
Treatment Firstly, don't panic! Most times you can make the diagnosis and start the treatment yourself, but if in doubt, or if the lice seem resistant to treatment, consult the pharmacist, nurse (attached to the school or the doctor's surgery), health visitor or doctor. There are various proprietary, active treatments available, and so-called "bug-busting"
The chemical treatments fall into a number of groups: · Pyrethrins · Synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin and phenothrin) · Organophosphates (malathion) · Carbamates (carbaryl) · Herbal
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