Hair Problems
Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis)
Despite modern chemical insecticide treatments, head lice remain endemic in many parts of the world. Infestation is a socially distressing problem though it is not usually responsible for the spread of disease.
Infestations occur without regard to social status or levels of personal cleanliness. Long haired caucasian female children from crowded environments are at greatest risk. Fastidiously clean hair provides no immunity to infestation. Adults are significantly less vulnerable to infestation.
Head lice are parasites (living off a human host). These six legged creatures measure 2 to 4 mm, are grey in colour, usually found near the hairline at the nape and around the ears. They require warmth and a source of human blood to survive.
Transmission is mainly by direct contact - head to head, sharing headwear, combs and brushes. Head lice survive on combs brushes, chair backs, hats, scarves for up to 48 hours. As they do not survive off-host beyond this period, fumigation or spraying premises is probably unnecessary.
The Pediculus welds it's Ova (egg or 'nit') onto the hair shaft approx. 2-4
mm above scalp level. Ova hatch within 5-8 days. The vacated 'shell' remains
attached to the hair shaft and becomes increasingly distanced from scalp level
due to hair growth at the nominal 1-2 cm per month.
Ova cannot be removed by shampooing, but may sometimes be combed off the hairshaft
at its distil end.
Symptoms: irritation scratching and possible secondary bacteriol infection.
Hair lice Treatment
There are different classes of parasiticides which act on the central nervous
system of the louse. Infestation may respond to chemical treatments formulated
either as creams, shampoos, or lotions.
Over the counter medicines are usually satisfactory (e.g. the permethrin based
products).
Take advice regarding such local treatment from a registered pharmacy/trichologist/healthcentre/school
nurse.
Handle these chemicals with care as they are also inherently toxic to humans.
Consult a doctor before using these medicines on infants or during pregnancy.
Alternative: Try daily applications of heavy creamy conditioners and thorough
(30 minute) combings with a fine tooth-comb to dislodge the creatures preferrably
over a basin.
As re-infestation requires just one hidden egg to hatch, continue this daily
procedure for several weeks after the last creature has been thus removed.
Thorough treatment of an infested person may involve the removal of all clothing,
and treating the person with the parasiticide.
All family members may be treated on the same day and subsequently as recommended
to control any lice hatching.
Clothes and bedclothes should be isolated in plastic bags for 14 days, then
dry cleaned.
Alternative: Place items in a freezer. Freezing for a minimum period of six
hours is lethal to ova and lice.
Very short hair reduces the probability of infestation/reinfestation.
© 2000 - B.J.Stevens
