GP Explains Signs of Head Lice – Including One You See at Night
A GP has issued a warning about the signs and symptoms of head lice, especially as children are returning to school. In primary school children, about 1 in 10 kids have head lice at any one time. The early autumn season is the peak time for head lice to spread due to the temperature and children going back to school. GP Dr. Alexis Missick from UK Meds has shared insights on identifying head lice in children and how to address them.
Dr. Missick highlighted that parents may notice their children complaining of itching, sores from scratching, difficulty sleeping, and a sensation of something moving or itching in their hair. Head lice spread by crawling from person to person in close contact or through sharing hair products like combs, brushes, hats, and scarves.
To prevent head lice, Dr. Missick suggested avoiding the sharing of combs and brushes, soaking them in hot water if shared, refraining from sharing hats and towels with infested individuals, and steering clear of head-to-head contact. Additionally, washing clothes, linen, and fabrics in hot water, drying on a hot cycle, and frequent vacuuming can help prevent head lice infestations.
Here are some key points regarding head lice:
– Small parasitic insects living on the scalp and feeding on blood
– Common in children but can affect people of all ages
– About 2-3 mm in length with six legs and claws for gripping hair
– Females can lay up to 10 eggs per day, which hatch in 7-10 days
– Spread through direct head-to-head contact and rarely through shared personal items like combs or hats
The main symptom of head lice is itching due to an allergic reaction to louse bites. Treatment usually involves special medicated shampoos or lotions designed to eliminate lice and nits. Combing the hair with a fine-tooth louse comb helps remove lice and eggs but may require multiple treatments to completely get rid of an infestation. It’s important to note that head lice infestations are not a reflection of poor hygiene and can happen to anyone, regardless of cleanliness.