Lice

Lice General Information

If a patient presents Lice, he or she is suffering from a very commonly encountered infestation of the human body (hundreds of millions of people in the entire world are suffering from this medical condition). Although the presence of this disorder does not generally trigger any severe consequences (it is generally seen as an embarrassing, itchy experience), in some rare cases, this disorder develops in other, more severe illnesses (trench fever, relapsing fever, typhus, and so on). There are three different forms of this disorder, which are caused by different parasites, and that affect different parts of the human body. For example, the parasite that affects the patient’s head is generally known as Pediculus humanus capitis. Such clinical cases are known to be the most common types of Lice that one can find worldwide. One of this pathogen’s cousins, a parasite known as Pediculus humanus corporis, is known to be responsible for the development of the unpleasant body Lice. In such cases, the presence of this medical condition is associated with poverty.

Another form of pathogen that belongs to the same family than the other 2 that we have presented you above causes the pubic form of this medical condition. Its name is Pthirus pubis. This form of this medical disorder is generally transmitted through sexual contact and / or intimate contact. Only humans develop this medical condition, as these parasites are not able to jump from one host to another. Even if we cannot give the disease to our pets or household animals, we can transmit it to other people through sheets, combs, caps, and so on or through direct contact.

Lice Symptoms

Patients who are suffering from an infestation with Pediculus humanus capitis are known to generally not present any unusual symptoms and / or signs, as most clinical cases were reported to be asymptomatic. This type of medical disorder is more common among girls. However, several clinical manifestations have been reported. They include the presence of severe itching (of the neck, scalp, behind the patient’s years, and so on). Itching is generally accompanied by a state of discomfort. This parasite produces about 8-9 eggs per day and firmly attaches them to the individual’s scalp. The presence of such eggs (generally known in the clinical industry as “nits”) is crucial in setting a correct diagnosis.

The form of parasite that affects the patient’s body is known to live in the patient’s clothes rather than on the human body. Feeding makes the parasite transfer to its human host. The presence of this form of Lice is known to trigger a set of clear symptoms and / or signs. The most important of them is itching. Furthermore, the individual will also present lesions on the skin especially in the areas where his or her clothes tightly adhere to the body (bra strap regions, axillary regions, waist, and so on). In such places, excoriation (scabbing, abrasions, and crusts) is quite common. Itchy, red, bite marks can be spotted with ease.

The form of Lice that affects the pubic area of the individual is very different from its cousins. A characteristic feature of this medical condition is the presence of intense, severe itching that affects the patient’s pubic area. The infestation may spread to the eyelashes, scalp, and other regions. The symptoms are known to worsen during nighttime. A bite is generally seen as a sore bluish color.

Lice Treatment

Although this type of medical disorder can be easily treated and cured at home, with a set of simple remedies, the attention of a professional health care provider is required if the patient develops severe scalp of skin infections that may be due to excessive scratching (especially if the lesions present tenderness, pain, swelling, discharge, and so on). A patient with Lice should also seek clinical attention if his or her condition has not improved after the home therapy.

The presence of head Lice should be treated with an anti-pathogen agent that is effective against this organism. The therapy should be repeated after a week or after 10 days in order to kill any newly hatched eggs. Over the counter remedies against this medical condition are widely spread. If the presence of these organisms persists after two applications of such medical products, you may need to start using more powerful, prescription based remedies. Over the counter drugs effective against this type of medical infestation include: Rid A-200, Nix Lotion, Pronto shampoos, and so on. Shaving the patient’s head is a too drastic and unnecessary measure. The head and the body should be thoroughly washed. The clothes and the bed linens should also be washed in very hot cycles.  The vacuum bag should be immediately thrown. The use of chemical insecticide sprays is not recommended (they are not effective either). The use of over the counter antihistamines such as (Benadryl, Diphenhydramine, and so on) is a common remedy form itching that might be caused by Lice.

The pathogens may be removed with the use of fine-teethed combs. Medicines should not be applied to the mucous membranes, face or eyes. If you are pregnant, you should discuss with your heath care provider which therapy option should suit your medical condition and expectations best. The most effective prescription remedies against this form of infestation include Elimite cream (which may be prescribe to children who are older than 2 moths), Kwell (either in its cream or shampoo form – this is a last ditch remedy, as excessive application is known to be able to trigger neuro-toxicity, Ovide lotion (may be prescribed to youngsters over 6), and so on. Patients who are known to be suffering from allergies should avoid the use of Rid A-200, Nix, Elimite, and similar products in the therapy against Lice. The use of Lindane is considered a last resort remedy if the patient’s therapy with other medical products did not provide the needed benefits or was not well tolerated. This medical product should not be prescribed to children, as it often leads to neuro-toxicity. For further, more detailed pieces of information, contact a well trained health care provider.