LICE (Pediculosis; Head Lice; Body Lice; "Crabs") |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Skin inflammation caused by tiny parasites (lice) that live on the hairy areas of the body, especially the genital area, scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and skin in close contact with clothing. The tiny (3mm to 4mm) parasites bite through skin to obtain nourishment (blood). The bites cause itching and inflammation. Some lice live in clothing near skin. Eggs (nits) adhere to hairs.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Itching and scratching, sometimes intense and usually in hair-covered areas.
Eggs (nits) on hair shafts.
Scalp inflammation and matted hair.
Enlarged lymph glands at the back of the scalp or in the groin (sometimes).
Red bite marks and hives.
Eye inflammation if eyelashes are infected.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Crowded or unsanitary living conditions or locker rooms.
Sexual intercourse (genital or oral) with an infected person.
HOW TO PREVENT
Bathe and shampoo often.
Avoid wearing the same clothing more than a day or two.
Change bed linens often.
Don't share combs, brushes, towels, helmets or hats with others.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms. You may see nits (like tiny footballs) on the side of hairs.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this disorder.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSUsually curable with medicated creams, lotions and shampoos. Allow 5 days after treatment for symptoms to disappear. Lice often recur.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Infection at the site of deep scratching may cause diseases such as typhus (rare).
Worst complication is spread to others.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTHome care is usually sufficient. Lice on eyebrows and eyelashes must be removed by a doctor.
HOME TREATMENTThe following measures apply to all members of the household, and to any sexual partners of household members:
Use medicated shampoo, cream or lotion prescribed by your doctor.
Machine-wash all clothing and linen in hot water. Dry in the dryer's hot-air cycle. Iron the clothing and linen, if possible. Washing removes the lice, and ironing destroys nits.
If you don't have a washing machine, iron the clothes and linen, or seal for 10 days in a plastic bag to kill lice and nits.
Dry-clean non-washable items or seal in a plastic bag for 10 days.
Boil articles such as combs, curlers, hairbrushes and barrettes.
Hair does not have to be shaved.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe antilice (pediculocide) cream, lotion or shampoo. Apply creams or lotions to infected body parts according to instructions. To use the shampoo:
Wet the hair. Apply 1 tablespoon of shampoo. Lather for 4 minutes, working the lather well into the scalp.
If shampoo gets in eyes, wash out immediately with water.
Rinse hair thoroughly and towel dry. Don't use this towel again without laundering and boiling.
Comb the hair with a fine comb dipped in hot vinegar to remove the lice. The comb must run through the hair repeatedly from the scalp outward until the hair is completely free of nits.
A single application of shampoo is effective in more than 90% of cases. Don't use more frequently than recommended, because the shampoo may cause skin irritation or be absorbed into the body.
If the lice infect eyelashes or eyebrows, they must be removed carefully by your doctor. The prescribed medications should not go into the eye or on the eyelashes. You may apply petroleum jelly to the eyelashes for 7 or 8 days after removal.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You, your sexual partner, or anyone in your household has symptoms of lice.
Symptoms recur after treatment.
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