Pediculosis - symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment in children and adults, lice remedies

Popular article: Effective treatment of head lice using regular vinegar

In the symptomatic picture of this disease there are a number of occurrences of general symptoms, and there are also specific signs that are identified during its development. Common signs of the disease include:

1. Itching sensations.
2. The appearance of rashes on the skin.
3. The appearance of age spots.
4. Detection of adult lice or nits.
5. Deviations in the psychological state (apathy, insomnia, psychosis, irritability).

The main signs of pediculosis, which are specific, directly depend on what kind of pediculosis develops in the patient.

How to identify head lice? It's quite simple. The first signs of lice on the scalp are associated with the fact that lice parasitize on those areas of the head where the skin is more delicate and vulnerable. Such places are: the back of the neck, the temple area, the skin behind the ears, and the back of the head. Itching sensations and the appearance of rashes are more pronounced in these areas.

The main features that distinguish body lice are also related to the breeding and feeding sites of lice. The body louse reproduces on the surface of human clothing. Favorite areas are seams, folds and other hard-to-reach places. For feeding, this parasite chooses the inner and back sides of the thighs, the sides of the chest, as well as the armpits and lower abdomen. In the case of body lice parasitism, their population is much larger than in the case of the progress of other types of lice.

Detection of lice pubis occurs due to an itching sensation in the anus and pubic area. There are also cases where phthiriasis affects eyelashes, eyebrows and armpits. However, such cases characterize a high degree of lice.

Treatment of pediculosis

In modern pharmacology, there are a number of pharmaceutical products that are an effective measure to combat dangerous parasites. Timely identification of the problem is the beginning of the path to full recovery, but an integrated approach is required on the part of the patient. Effective treatment of head lice involves the following direction, which you need to choose with your doctor and make it a daily routine for the next 1-2 weeks:

• proper nutrition, intake of vitamins;
• timely identification of secondary diseases;
• use of pharmaceutical products in the form of shampoos, balms, hair masks;
• short haircut for the child (individually by decision of the parents);
• treatment of the head with folk remedies;
• prolonged use of a comb to comb hair;
• implementation of preventive measures;
• the need to examine not only the foci of pathology, but also things with their subsequent washing and ironing with a good hot iron.

Drugs

If a source of pathology is detected, lice prevention becomes ineffective. When infected, there is an urgent need for timely treatment of head lice with drugs against parasites. The effectiveness of such intensive therapy is high if you first consult with your doctor or at least carefully study the instructions for use. To exterminate harmful parasites, it is appropriate to prescribe the following medications:

• Pediculen R Ultra;
• Medilis-bio;
• Paranit Lotion;
• Anti-Bit;
• Paranit Spray;
• Hygia;
• Para-Plus;
• Full Marx.

Ointment

After a one-time use of these drugs, all that remains is to comb your hair using a special comb, and carry out this procedure for several days - in the morning and in the evening after examining the head. No less effective is the ointment against pediculosis, which can also be purchased at the pharmacy. Use separately from other drugs, follow all instructions from the instructions. The following medicinal ointments have proven themselves well:

• Benzyl benzoate;
• Permethrin ointment;
• Boric ointment.

Dust soap

To exterminate pathogenic flora, people have been using dust soap to wash their hair since ancient times. Parasites slow down their development under the influence of the chemical composition of this product, stop reproducing and die. This measure of combating harmful insects in modern pharmacology is outdated; it is better to use dust soap for the purpose of effective prevention, nothing more.

Folk remedies for lice

Measures to combat pediculosis can be not only official, but also alternative. Folk remedies for lice provide significant prevention, and are much cheaper than pharmacy shampoos, sprays and ointments. It is also possible to produce an effective remedy for head lice at home; the main thing is to choose a reliable, effective and safe recipe for all occasions. This can be a solution or medicinal ointment to suppress pathogenic flora and prevent re-infection. Here are some good recipes:

1. Geranium oil, as a reliable means of combating head lice, can be dissolved in a small amount of regular shampoo. Treat hair with the prepared mixture and leave for 10 minutes under a thick layer of polyethylene. Wash your hair, dry it, and conduct a thorough inspection of the parasites.
2. Grind a handful of fresh cranberries in one container and squeeze out the juice. Combine it with honey and mix the prepared solution thoroughly. Rub vigorously into the head and leave on hair for 20-30 minutes. This is not only a reliable measure of pest control, but also an equally reliable prevention of a typical disease.
3. You can rub concentrated pomegranate juice into your scalp twice a day and leave the mask on for 30-40 minutes. After completing the procedure, inspect the head, comb out dead lice and their eggs with a comb.

List of sources

• Lysenko A.Ya., Vladimova M.G., Kondrashin AB, Majori J.. Clinical parasitology. Under the general editorship of Lysenko A.Ya. Management. Geneva, WHO: 2002.
• Delyagin V.M., Rumyantsev A.G., Shugurina E.G. Scabies and pediculosis: old problems in new times // Medical business. 2007. No. 4.
• Lopatkina Yu. V. Modern antiparasitic therapy for pediculosis // Clinical dermatology and venereology. - 2010. - No. 2.
• Clinical recommendations. Dermatovenereology / ed. A. A. Kubanova. M.: DEX-Press, 2007.

Life cycle of lice

1. Fertilization is possible immediately after the transition of the larvae into an adult.
2. Egg laying occurs two days after fertilization. Eggs can be laid without fertilization, but they are “empty.” In this case, an adhesive mass is released from the gonopod, intended for sticking the nit to the hair or lint.
3. Nits are lice eggs, oval-shaped, small, up to 1 mm in size, straw-colored. There is a cap on top through which the larva hatches. The nit is attached to the hair using an adhesive mass, which forms an egg stigma and is a kind of nest for eggs. The ripening period for nits is from 4 to 13 days.
4. The larvae go through three stages: first, second and third nymph. Each stage of nymph development lasts from 1 to 5 days. Nymphs differ in size and are similar in structure to the adult form, but are not able to reproduce. At the end of each stage, the larvae molt and change their chitinous cover. After the third molt, the louse becomes an adult. The larvae begin to feed almost immediately after hatching (one and a half hours later), and, like all children, they feed, often up to 8 times a day.
5. An adult insect (imago) is a sexually mature louse, that is, it is capable of reproducing. The adult feeds 2-3 times a day, meals last from 3 to 10 minutes.

Optimal conditions for life, reproduction and maturation of lice:

• parasitism on the human body,
• temperature from 22 to 45°C, optimally from 32 to 36°C,
• humidity - from 70 to 80%, the more humid the air, the better for the parasites.

Conditions under which lice stop reproducing:

• in environmental conditions, outside of humans,
• prolonged fevers (malaria, yellow fever, sepsis and other conditions),
• decrease in body temperature less than 22°C (after the death of the owner),
• humidity less than 20-30%,
• exposure to insecticides (chemicals used to kill insects).

Survival in the environment:

• in water – 2 days,
• sometimes they can temporarily parasitize rabbits, pigs and other animals as a “snack”, but this can lead to their death,
• on objects and fabrics - from 12 hours to 10 days, depending on temperature and humidity.

Head lice

Head lice are grayish-yellow or transparent insects, their size reaches 4 mm. Head lice always parasitize mainly on the temples and on the back of the head, and from there they penetrate to other areas of the head. Over the course of a month, lice can lay ten nits (that’s what lice eggs are called). After 8-10 days, lice larvae emerge from the nit. After ten to fifteen days, an adult louse grows from the larva, capable of fully laying eggs. A louse can live up to 38 days. Head lice nits are white balls that lice attach to the base of the hair. As a rule, it is the identification of nits that indicates the presence of pediculosis in a patient. Lice eggs are attached in such a way that it is impossible to remove them while washing your hair. It is also very difficult to remove them from the hair. When infected with head lice, the patient scratches the skin vigorously, which leads to the onset of the inflammatory process and, as a consequence, to the manifestation of a secondary infection.

Lice symptoms

· Severe itching of the scalp and neck is caused by a certain substance secreted by lice. This is expressed in the fact that the baby constantly scratches his head, and scratch marks or irritation may even appear on his scalp.

· Reddish bite marks usually appear on the scalp, neck, and can often be seen behind the ears.

· In the hair with lice, you can notice very small white grains (nits), similar in appearance to dandruff. Their difference from dandruff, which is easily shaken off the head, is that the nits in the hair are very tightly attached.

· In severe forms of head lice, the lymph nodes behind the ears may be enlarged.

Clothes lice

Body lice is a lice infestation of the torso. When a louse gets on the human body, it sucks blood, piercing the skin. However, she lives in linen and clothes. This is where the body louse lays nits. Body lice most often parasitize human skin on the neck, lower back, and between the shoulder blades. After lice bite the skin, light brown pigmentation remains in this place for quite a long period. But the main threat that lice of this species pose to humans is their ability to transmit typhus .

Prevention of head lice in children

Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are ectoparasites that can infest a child's hair. Hair length and personal hygiene do not affect infection in any way. Memo for parents: insects do not carry diseases, but they cause serious harm to the young body if measures are not taken in time. The occurrence of a secondary bacterial infection is just one example. Prevention of head lice and regular examination will help eliminate anxiety, panic, and discomfort in the child.

Epidemic outbreaks often occur during transition periods (spring-autumn). How does infection occur? To begin with, lice do not live more than 24 hours, but they multiply quickly. But they cannot jump or fly. Transmission of parasites occurs after contact of the heads of the carrier and a healthy person, less often - from contact with a comb, towel or hat of an infected child. Risk areas: schools, kindergartens, swimming pools, sandboxes, public events.

Preventing lice and nits at home

Lice in children is a problem that many parents face. A young child is often in close contact with peers. Children can share personal items: panama hats, caps, hairpins, etc.

Taking this fact into account, infestation will not take long to occur. Getting rid of parasites is a labor-intensive task, so it’s better to avoid infection altogether

Prevention of lice and nits at home:

1. You should carefully comb your child's (and your own) hair using a fine-toothed comb.
2. A boy can have his hair cut short, but a girl needs to have her hair done high and her hair tied up in every possible way.
3. Regularly wash bed linen, toys, hats, and clean personal items.
4. Clean carpets and upholstered furniture every three days.

Prevention of head lice at school

Many parents think that the most effective way to protect themselves from lice is to leave their child at home. However, infection with parasites is often asymptomatic, and itching appears only after a week. During this time, classmates manage to “catch” lice, passing them on to each other. To prevent this from happening, you need to carry out the following prevention of head lice at school:

1. Comply with sanitary and anti-epidemic standards.
2. Explain to your child that you should not exchange personal belongings with friends: this can be dangerous.
3. Prevention of lice in children includes wet cleaning of the classroom every day.
4. During lessons, hats can be placed in a plastic bag. At home, it should be put in the freezer: this will kill the lice.
5. Carry out regular examination of the child's head and body.

Prevention of head lice in kindergarten

It’s hard to explain to a little tomboy why you can’t exchange personal belongings and toys. Children spend a lot of time in the sandbox and are in close contact with each other, which increases the risk of infection. To avoid catching head lice in kindergarten, you need to follow these tips:

1. Do not place personal belongings and other items in common lockers, hang them on common hooks, or throw clothes on the floor.
2. Don't play on the carpet.
3. Bring a towel from home that you can lay on the pillow during quiet time. Wash it every day.
4. Find an effective means to prevent lice and treat the child’s hair.
5. Educators and parents should conduct inspections for the presence of parasites. If lice are detected, you should contact a health worker in a kindergarten, then a dermatologist.

The first signs of pediculosis

You should suspect the presence of lice if there is constant itching in the scalp: head, armpits, pubis, etc. Itching is a consequence of parasite bites. Body lice is especially difficult to tolerate.

Upon visual inspection, you will be able to notice the louse or nits themselves. Nits are so firmly attached by females to the hair that thorough combing will help get rid of them. By the way, if your hair begins to clump into clumps, then you should think about the presence of lice.

The advanced form of the disease - chronic lice - is accompanied by an inflammatory process in the body. Signs of inflammation, including enlarged lymph nodes, can also signal lice.

Pediculosis is a parasitic disease from which no one is immune. But children are most at risk of infection.

Timely detection of the disease, eliminating the causes and adequate treatment is the key to a quick recovery.

Measures to prevent the appearance of insects

The whole range of measures for the prevention of lice and nits includes active and passive methods:

1. Limiting close and physical contact with a person showing signs of head lice: regular scratching of the head, reddened areas of parasite bites. When lice are visible to the naked eye, you should take yourself and your children to a place that is safer for infection. You should try not to visit places with unsanitary conditions. Treatment and prevention of insects do not allow insects to appear in the swimming pool without a rubber cap.
2. Pubic lice are no more pleasant inhabitants, so sexual contact with strangers is undesirable. You should not have sexual contact with people who do not adequately care for their genitals and the vegetation around them.
3. All hats and fabric-based jewelry must be used individually to prevent lice and nits from entering from the outside.
4. Any type of linen: underwear, bed linen must undergo hot treatment either during washing or ironing.
5. Pay attention and examine the head if you scratch frequently.
6. Using products that are safe for humans but repel parasites. Folk remedies are also suitable for this purpose.
7. Periodic treatment of hair with antiparasitic shampoos in a small volume.

Prevention against lice in children has its own difficulties: it is difficult to explain the dangers of playing with unfamiliar dirty children, why you need to wear only your own hat, check your hair more often for lice and nits, and come up with play exercises with shampoos for head lice.

Body lice are spread through bedding or clothing. Underwear must be changed at least 2-3 times every 10 days.

Nits can only be picked up from the hair, but lice can be picked up even in the pool. Low-quality hotels can also harbor lice and nits in towels or bedding. If possible, all linens should be ironed.

Circumstances of the occurrence of pediculosis

Contrary to the popular belief that insects only breed on unscrupulous people, no one is immune from the fact that under certain circumstances parasites will not crawl onto a perfectly decent person. There are many reasons why lice appear on people.

There is a chance of acquiring head parasites in the following places:

• Swimming pools, baths, saunas, beaches. Insects are easily transmitted through towels and beds, for which one hair with a viable nit is enough. In addition, parasites, especially pubic ones, are able to survive in water for up to two days and sometimes “swim across” to their new victim.

• Sanatoriums, resorts, hotels, trains, where bedding, hairpins, combs are not always kept clean, which is why lice sometimes appear on vacationers.
• Public transport, where there is often a “crush”.
• Gyms where classes are held on mats, locker rooms, places for mass outdoor games.
• Public toilets (mainly pubic insects);
• Varied queues.
• Public cloakrooms.
• Hairdressing salons where tools and clothing do not undergo the prescribed treatment.

Clothes parasites are transmitted through bedding and clothing items. They can get on a person even in the fitting room.

Attention! People who often stay in hotels, and also live in hostels and barracks are considered to be at risk for contracting head lice.

Pubic parasites are usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. But they can easily be infected through everyday life: through bed linen, in a bathhouse, swimming pool, public toilet, and so on.

According to some signs, unlike everyday experiences, lice can also appear from severe stress. Events such as the death of loved ones, a serious illness of a child, or bankruptcy provoke a sharp decrease in immunity. At the same time, the nerves release hormones that have a specific odor. It attracts insects that prefer to choose alarmed, frightened people.

Pediculosis in children

Pediculosis in children is quite common, since in kindergartens and schools children may be in close contact with the sick person. About every fifth child gets lice at least once. Pediculosis is very common in children from 4 to 11 years old. Children are in close contact with each other and it is very easy for lice to crawl from one person to another. At this age, children attending kindergarten or school are constantly close to each other: playing, changing hats.

Causes of lice in children

It is a misconception that only children from disadvantaged families can become infected with head lice. Pediculosis in children is detected in 20% of cases, regardless of living conditions and compliance with hygiene rules. A person can be a carrier of lice, so a child can become infected in a kindergarten, summer camp, school, etc.

Lice infection can occur through the use of hygiene products and during play. The peak incidence is summer-autumn. Girls with long hair that require careful care are most often susceptible to head lice.

• Infants can become infected with lice through the bed of adults or during close contact with parents who have lice (while feeding, carrying, etc.).
• Infection of children with lice is possible during a haircut in a hairdressing salon, where sanitary standards are not observed, in a public bath, in transport, or during mass bathing in artificial and natural reservoirs.
• Teenagers can get pubic lice along with sexually transmitted infections (STIs: gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, etc.) through sexual contact.

Factors predisposing children to lice infection are weakened immunity, visiting children's groups or public places, unfavorable sanitary and hygienic conditions, and an early age at the onset of sexual activity.

Symptoms of lice in children

Pediculosis in children is characterized by the following symptoms:

• itching of the scalp, but may not appear immediately, but three months after infection;
• rash on the neck caused by lice waste products;
• adults on hair (size approximately 3 mm);
• whitish nits at the roots of the hair.

Diagnosis of pediculosis in children

Pediculosis in children can be detected by parents, hairdresser, teacher or pediatrician who periodically examine children in kindergarten or school. A common sign of head lice in children is the presence of adult lice or live nits in the hair. To diagnose head lice in children, a Wood's lamp is used - nits glow blue. When a child is diagnosed with lice, it is necessary to examine everyone with whom he comes in contact. Differential diagnosis of pediculosis in children:

• psoriasis,
• atopic dermatitis,
• primary pyoderma,
• trichomycosis,
• hives,
• impetigo,
• strophulus (infantile prurigo),
• microbial eczema,
• seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment of pediculosis in children

Effective means of treating head lice in children are special chemical preparations (insecticides), which are divided into three types - malathion (Pedilin), phenothrin (Parasidosis), permethrin (Nittifor). All these drugs are sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. The drug is applied twice with a week break between applications. You need to keep it on your hair from 10 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the degree of the disease. Then rinse and comb your hair with a comb to remove dead lice.

Psychological assistance for head lice in children

An important aspect of such an illness is the psychological aspect. If lice is detected in a child, you should explain to him as tactfully and correctly what kind of pathology it is. It is extremely wrong to reproach the baby, cause him feelings of shame or frighten him. Parents should get as much information as possible about head lice to answer any questions their child may have. Confidently and calmly explain to your child how lice infestation occurs. Be sure to emphasize the fact that any baby can become infected with them. Give an example from your childhood, if available. Tell your child what to do in this case and how you will get rid of the little trouble. Remember, your story must be age appropriate and must be clear and simple.

Prevention of head lice in children

Proper treatment of head lice in children using modern medications leads to the rapid and complete destruction of lice. In order to avoid re-infection, it is recommended to frequently change bedding and underwear, followed by ironing with a hot iron; you should definitely check all family members for the presence of the disease. Disinfestation of the apartment is also necessary.

Group of diseases:

General information

Pediculosis ( lice ) is a disease that is common in all countries of the world. Lice parasitize the human body, feeding on its blood. There are several varieties of lice. They live on the human scalp, can live on underwear and clothing, and also live in the pubic area. In rare cases, lice are also found on other parts of the body where hair grows - on the beard, eyebrows. As the experience of specialists shows, a relatively limited number of lice can live on a person’s body, depending on the amount of his blood. The main nutrients for lice are blood and lymph . Lice bite through the skin and inject saliva into the resulting wound. The saliva of lice may contain various microbes that cause dangerous infectious diseases. So, fever , typhus and other diseases can be transmitted in this way.
After lice bites, a person feels severe itching and scratches the skin at the site of the bites. Lice move by crawling. Pediculosis is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or after using the patient’s hygiene items. Lice can also crawl from one head to another in places where people are in relatively close contact: on public transport, in a swimming pool, on the beach. Despite the fact that there is an opinion about lice as a social illness that is very closely related to hygiene, to this day the reason for the widespread prevalence of lice among clean people remains unexplored. Thus, scientists have found that lice are more willing to “settle” on a head with clean hair.

Causes

The most incredible myths about this disease arise about why a child gets lice. These include nervous experiences, stress, unsanitary conditions, and a dysfunctional family. In fact, all these causes of head lice in children have no scientific basis. The only factor contributing to the spread of insects is contact with a lousy person, with his clothing or personal hygiene items. Proof of this is the fact that among the infected children there are quite prosperous, clean children from wealthy families.

How does infection occur:

• by direct contact of the body, head, hands with an infected person: even infants can pick up lice from relatives or a nanny;
• when wearing his clothes, especially his headdress;
• when using his personal hygiene items: towel, comb, hairpin, etc.;
• while visiting a hairdresser if hygiene rules are not followed there;
• while traveling on public transport;
• while swimming in public places (baths) and reservoirs.

Most often, infection occurs if children sleep together (during quiet time, for example, in kindergarten) or during outdoor games. Moreover, girls get sick more often because they have long hair that requires more careful care. Predisposing factors for head lice are precisely those factors that are mistakenly considered to be the main causes of lice:

• weakened immunity;
• visiting public places and children's groups;
• unfavorable, poor sanitary and hygienic conditions;
• stress: in this state, the child’s sweat glands begin to produce special substances that seem to attract lice;
• early childhood age of onset of sexual activity.

What is pediculosis

The disease most often occurs in children, but adults are also prone to large-scale infection. Pediculosis is a parasitic disease caused by increased activity of blood-sucking lice. On the host's body, pests are located in hairy areas, but more often head lice occurs. Other variants of the disease are much less common, for example, pubic and body lice. The infection can be successfully treated; you just need to purchase special products and carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene.

Where do lice come from?

This disease was described by Aristotle, so the life activity of such dangerous microorganisms goes back thousands of years. A louse is a wingless insect that has six limbs with claws for a strong fixation on the human body. Thanks to the sharp teeth in the oral apparatus, the pest bites into the skin, breaks its integrity, releases saliva, causing a feeling of itching, and sucks blood. Lice come from the environment, and find the most favorable conditions for existence in dirty places. People who do not follow personal hygiene rules are at risk

Incubation period of lice and nits

The patient is unaware of the parasitic disease for some time. The incubation period of lice and nits has its own characteristics and completely depends on the lifestyle of the infected person. After the parasite penetrates the hair, infection is observed within a few hours, and the lice lay eggs. The first symptoms in a person’s life are felt later; in some patients this period is 3-4 weeks. In order to promptly detect the occurrence of pathogenic flora, the patient must be especially careful about personal hygiene and monitor the condition of the hair.

How dangerous are lice?

Since parasites are transmitted through the air, lice can be contracted at any age. More often, a child who leads an active lifestyle, attends a preschool or school educational institution, and comes into contact with infected people and objects is at risk. It is important to understand that lice are dangerous because they carry a deadly infection and can develop a serious disease such as typhus. In addition, when scratching the skin, wounds appear, which can lead to large-scale infection of the dermis. Prevention of lice and nits should be done by the whole family.

• Preventive measures for childhood lice in kindergartens, schools and at home - methods and means
• Body louse - how to get rid of it
• Crust on the head - causes and treatment with medications, cosmetics and folk remedies

Means for the prevention of pediculosis in children

There are a variety of sprays, creams, and shampoos that repel insects with their pungent odor. However, natural oils can serve no less effectively. An aromatic remedy for the prevention of lice will not harm the child’s health and will help in the fight against lice. Essential oils are rich in monoterpenes, chemical compounds with various beneficial properties, including insecticidal properties. Just a few drops of this liquid help influence the nervous system of insects, repelling them for a long time.

Prevention of lice in children includes the following:

• tea tree oil;
• lavender;
• anise;
• ylang-ylang;
• rosemary;
• peppermint oil;
• carnations;
• eucalyptus;
• lemon

Lice prevention spray

This product has proven to be effective and easy to use. By following the instructions, you can quickly figure out how to use the spray. Fortunately, it is suitable not only for preventing, but also for treating lice at the initial stage. However, you should carefully read the ingredients, because some drugs contain dangerous substances. Which spray is best for the prevention of head lice:

• Paronitis;
• Lavinal;
• LiceGuard;
• Nyuda (for children over 3 years old);
• Nit Free.

Shampoo for the prevention of pediculosis

The usual hygiene product is safe and effective in combating parasites. To protect yourself from lice infestation, you should choose a suitable shampoo for the prevention of head lice in children. The whole family needs to use it to protect themselves from the epidemic. A product based on coconut oil or tea tree extract is quite suitable. You can also purchase special shampoos in the store:

• Pedilin;
• Medifox;
• Nix;
• Ithax.

What is the danger of pediculosis?

Timely use of measures to treat the disease plays an important role, since complications of head lice can be much worse than the disease itself. We are talking about the development of pathological processes such as typhus and relapsing fever. If it is possible to recognize signs of the development of these dangerous diseases, the patient must be immediately hospitalized to avoid the spread of typhus. Lice transmitted between different people in contact can cause an epidemic of typhus or relapsing fever.

How to detect the development of the consequences of pediculosis? The patient has a symptomatic picture of relapsing or typhus typhus, namely:

1. High fever that lasts for 14 days.
2. Chills.
3. Headache.
4. The appearance of characteristic rashes, especially in the abdominal area.
5. Impaired consciousness, state of delirium, fainting.

A disease transmitted between people through parasites can cause epidemics, so timely measures taken to combat diseases will save the situation and save the lives of many people.

The causative agent of lice

Position of lice in the structure of living beings

Symptoms

When this insect bites, a special substance penetrates the skin with saliva, provoking severe itching of the pathology site. The patient becomes nervous and irritable, and behaves extremely irritably. Symptoms of head lice may not be noticed immediately, but their intensity gradually increases, as does the number of viable individuals in the hair. It is necessary to take measures to combat head lice, thus avoiding dangerous health complications. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the following changes in general well-being:

• hair tangling;
• the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
• redness, swelling of the dermis;
• irritation on the body;
• decline in performance.

Level of infection of the population with pediculosis

The highest social level of a family does not guarantee safety from lice infestation. Of course, the main population of infection is dysfunctional families. WHO studies show that more than 30% of infected people live in normal social conditions. Every fifth inhabitant of the earth is affected by pediculosis. The infection rate is growing every year.

If we look at the research of Moscow sanitary services, then almost 50% of those infected are students of educational schools aged 8 to 14 years, the non-working population is 29%, pensioners are 11%, preschoolers are 4%.

It follows that the main sources of spread of the disease are educational institutions. But these are average data, since most people, when faced with this problem, try to solve it on their own. Considering this and the impossibility of surveying antisocial groups of the population and migrants, the numbers will be many times higher.

SanPiN establishes new requirements for comprehensive measures and plans for organizing sanitary and epidemiological measures that should prevent the occurrence and spread of parasitic diseases. Compliance with SanPiN is mandatory for everyone, from state authorities to local governments, organizations, enterprises of all types of property, legal entities and individuals.

The introduction of new sanitary norms and rules is due to the threatening situation with the spread of pediculosis. The growth of infection increases annually by 1.6 times. A threatening situation is developing not only in Russia, but also in the countries of Europe and North America.

Pediculosis pubis

Pediculosis pubis or phthiriasis is a disease that affects adults, both female and male. Lice settle in pubic hair, in the anal area, and in the armpits. The parasite is not distinguished by any activity, and almost all the time it remains motionless near the human skin. The period of appearance of lice can be determined by the degree of hair regrowth. Lice are capable of entering a state close to suspended animation.

It is important to know! Pediculosis pubis spreads through sexual contact. In such cases, it is better to consult a venereologist, since the possibility of infection not only with lice, but also with sexually transmitted diseases is possible.

You can also get lice pubis in conditions where a healthy person uses the personal hygiene products of a sick person. There are other variants of infection. As a rule, the appearance of pubic lice in children is associated with their presence in adults.

Pediculosis pubis is accompanied by:

• Severe itching.
• The appearance of bluish spots in the affected areas.
• The appearance of eczema, redness or irritation.
• The appearance of brown spots on underwear, which represent parasite excrement.

An effective way to combat this is to remove “vegetation” in intimate areas. In addition, it is possible to use various anti-pediculosis agents in the form of ointments, lotions, creams, etc.

Treatment of pediculosis

To ensure that head lice is successfully treated, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive treatment aimed at removing lice and nits. For the treatment of lice today there are many drugs consisting of chemical components produced in the form of ointments, sprays, shampoos and soaps. They fight insects quite effectively. In pharmacies you can buy:

• Lice elimination solution – Malathion.

• Gel Lindane. Apply to washed and damp hair.
• Anti-head lice cream Permethrin.
• Spray Para-Plus. It can be used to treat hair and skin, as well as clothes.

Treatment for pubic lice is carried out by shaving the hair in the pubic area and armpits. And treating the skin surface with white mercury ointment. It will protect against infection.

Washing and boiling clothes will help get rid of linen lice. After it has dried, leave it outside for several days, then carefully iron it, fold it and try not to wear it for several weeks. This is done so that lice can only live for seven days without a person. After this they die. Nits live quite long, approximately 12 days.

After treating your head for insects, you must thoroughly comb your hair with a special comb to remove all dead lice and nits. If the insects remain, then re-treat.

In addition, wash in hot water and, if possible, boil all bed linen, towels, disinfect combs, hair brushes, washcloths and sponges for washing the body, wash and treat hats and clothes. Carry out general cleaning in the apartment.

Measures to prevent head lice

You can avoid getting infected with pediculosis by taking preventive measures. Their main goal is to prevent insects from getting on the skin and hair. And if this happens, immediately identify the problem and get rid of the uninvited roommates. Prevention consists of following basic rules, most of which are personal hygiene and home hygiene.

• Try to examine the scalp of a child attending kindergarten or school every other day or two. Since the main sources of infection are children's and educational institutions.

• Avoid close contact with people living in unsanitary conditions. If communication is necessary for some reason, then try to “keep your distance” and not come close.
• Avoid unverified and casual sexual contacts, as this can result in lice at best.
• Do not wear or wear hats or other people's things. Because insects can be in them.
• Use essential oils for prevention.
• Use anti-head lice shampoos periodically for prevention.

By applying the rules of prevention, you can eliminate parasite infection and avoid many problems. Particular attention should be paid to children, since in most cases they are carriers and spreaders of this disease.

Prevention using natural remedies

Lice have undeveloped eyes. They spend all their life activities using their sense of smell. Therefore, a hypothesis arose that stress and depression lead to the appearance of lice. This is partly not without reason. Since under stress, hormones are produced and released in the human body, these include adrenaline, which release a special smell that these insects really like and attracts them.

But there are odors that repel lice. These include the aromas of some essential oils:

• Geranium oil

  . A good antiseptic and antibacterial agent. With a sharp specific odor. The geranium flower is popularly used to repel mosquitoes.
• Lavender oil . It has a characteristic odor that repels lice. In addition, it is a good antiseptic containing a large amount of useful substances.
• Tea tree oil . The scent of tea tree is used in many anti-lice products as a deterrent. In addition, it is part of drugs against fungal and other skin diseases.
• Hellebore or lavender water . Hellebore water is used as an independent remedy against lice. For prevention, you can rinse your hair with it. The same goes for lavender water.

For prevention, you need to apply one of the above products to the skin behind the ears every day. Before using them, you must conduct an allergy test.

If you have lice, it is important to start treatment, otherwise this parasitic disease will only progress. In official medicine it is called pediculosis. The characteristic disease has several varieties depending on the location of the pathology. Treatment of head lice at home is successful with the right choice of remedies.

Pharmacy products and drugs for pediculosis

The most common drugs on the market are permethrin.:

• Akromed, Armol, Antientom, Andijan-U, Amisol, Arzol-L, Antisect
• Biosim, Bio Kill, Blantex
• Vuprotox, Vitar, Vecurin
• Gmizin, Glortsid, Grintsid-U, Gelenit
• Dichlorvos-L, Dust
• Zitol-spray, Zebrik-Teva
• Insectocrem, Insecticidal soap-P, Intox, Insecticidal soap Dez-P
• Kanon Plus, Kim-P, Kadima
• Lauri
• Moline, Medifox, Molemore
• NOC, Nix, Nittifor
• Oxytox
• Pervit, directly Permethrin, Perol, Pedex, Polytox, Pedizol, Permocide
• City, Salucid, Stagifor
• Terma-Fog-P, Talla
• Chub-chik, Celandine-M
• Chance, Ship-1

Permethrin drug "Medifox Super"

Ideally, permethrin easily penetrates into the body of parasites, blocks nerve activity and leads to death. However, there are many geographic populations that have adapted to this substance. If lice continue to live and reproduce after treatment with permethrin alone, look for effective alternatives.

For example, phenothrin preparations, which also have a neurotoxic effect:

• soap " Anti-Bit " and " Dez-F "
• lotion " BIN "
• foaming lotions, aerosols: “ Ithaca ”, “ Phenolon ” ​​and “ Phenotrin ”
• emulsion " Forsyth-anti-louse "

Insecticidal agent "Forsyth Antilouse"
Perhaps pharmaceutical products for head lice, created almost entirely from natural ingredients, will suit you:

• AntiV Duo with citronella, lavender, tea tree oils
• NIT FREE with mint or rosemary oil
• " Pediculen Ultra " and " Paranite Spray with Anise Oil"
• " Rosh TOV " with extracts of plantain, atriplex, aloe vera, sage, calendula and cypress flowers, as well as with oils of clove pepper, coconut, geranium, lemon and mint
• " Medilis-Bio " with clove oil (eugenol)
• " Lavinal Spray " with peppermint extract, ylang-ylang and lavender oils
• pyrethrum powder from the flower heads of Dalmatian chamomile and the “ Spray-Pax ” form with an extract from the same plant

“Antiv Duo” for nits and lice
Complex and innovative preparations for lice:

• " A-Par Aerosol ", " Spregal Spray " with esdepaletrin and peritonyl butoxide
• " Foxilon Lotion " with foxilon, benzyl benzoate, castor oil
• " Nuda Spray " with silicone polymer dimethicone
• " Pedilin " (emulsion, gel) with tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide
• " Hygia Solution " with permethrin, gel base, Tween 80, broponol, glacial acetic acid, and other components
• " Para Plus Aerosol " with permethrin, malathion, piperonyl butoxide
• " Avicin Concentrate " with permethrin, surfactants, stabilizers, solvents
• " Lokodin Lotion " and " Lokodin Mark K Concentrate " with low hazardous substances
• " Phenothrin Solution " with cyclopropane carbolic acid methyl ester
• " Heading Lotion " with dimethicone and cyclomethicone
• " Duranit Lotion " with dimethicone and cyclopentaxyloxane
• " Sifax Washing Lotion " with D-phenothrin
• " Full Marks Solution " with isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone
• " Parasidosis Foaming Lotion " with biocosidine

Fast-acting insecticide "Full Marks"
Professional and pharmacy remedies for head lice are also represented by insecticides for treating clothing, household items and furniture, and entire premises:

• " Gamexan ", " Lindan ", " Lorexan " and " Yakutin " based on the gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (chlorine-containing hydrocarbon)
• " Medilis-Malathion ", emulsion " Dobrokhim M " based on malathion
• emulsions based on fenthion: “ Dobrokhim FOS ”, “ Medilis-Super ”, “ Sulfox ”, “ Clinch ”, “ Medilis-Permifen ”

"Medilis-Super" solves the problem of resistance

Many people use ointments the old fashioned way to treat various types of lice: permethrin, boric, sulfur, mercury, turpentine, benzyl benzoate.

Treatment and prevention of pediculosis: tips and reviews

• For those who have asymptomatic lice (for now). You can examine the infection using: a magnifying glass, microscope, Wood's lamp or videodermatoscopy.
• LiceGuard and Parasidosis repellents for prevention . Smear and spray children. And then you won’t have to undergo treatment for weeks or months
• As a child, I was treated with hellebore water, cranberry juice, birch tar and kerosene. Nothing bad happened from this treatment. Alive. All hair is in place
• In young children, lice is best treated by completely shaving off the hair. They will grow back, but a massive chemical attack will be avoided

Treatment and prevention of pediculosis: advice and reviews are few, opinions vary greatly. When choosing a treatment plan, you should still contact, if not a doctor, then at least a professional pharmacist.

Natural treatments for lice are a waste of money and time

As mentioned above, the most effective remedies for lice are pediculicides with active substances - pyrethrin or permethrin. Natural treatments for lice show weaker results, if not completely useless. These include various bioenzyme shampoos, homeopathic remedies, the use of oil-based products - tea tree, olive, coconut, eucalyptus, etc.

Some scientists believe that oils are completely useless for killing lice and can only repel them. Others claim that oils can kill, but this will require washing your hair as much as 3 times with oil-based shampoo with an interval of 4 days, i.e. you will have to wait about 2 weeks “before recovery.”

Are you ready to watch your child continue to itch from lice for 2 weeks? But in the end, the oil may not work at all - there are no guarantees! What if the child is completely allergic to oils? Is it worth experimenting like this? In our opinion, it is better to treat your hair with proven pediculicides Rid or Nix (following the instructions) and be guaranteed to be cured, than to drag out the torment for 2 or more weeks without any guarantees.

Symptoms and diagnosis of pediculosis

Symptoms of lice
Most often, lice appear on the head of children and adults with long hair. At the very beginning of the disease, insects are very difficult to notice in the hair. On the head you can only detect the consequences of their presence - itching after numerous lice bites and scratched wounds. Damage to the skin is most often observed in the temporal and occipital regions, as well as in the ear area. In addition to the above symptoms, the patient also exhibits other signs of head lice, which include the following factors:

• irritability and insomnia;
• Lice and dandruff-like nits are found in large numbers in the hair;
• papular urticaria at the site of bites.

With an advanced form of pediculosis, a person may develop dermatitis, purulent rashes, and inflammation of the lymph nodes. Abundant secretory secretions of parasites lead to tangling of hair and the appearance of an unpleasant putrid odor. The above symptoms of pediculosis should serve as a signal to take urgent measures that will help get rid of the dangerous disease.

If there are clear signs of the presence of lice in a person’s hair, diagnosing head lice is quite simple. The main method to detect parasites is a careful examination of the patient. With this diagnostic method, it is very difficult to detect adult lice, but numerous nits attached to the hair will become the main sign of a developing disease. It is necessary to fight insects at the slightest suspicion of infection.

Three types of pediculosis

Dermatology defines three types of lice, which are divided depending on their habitat. The type of pediculosis and methods of combating them are determined by the type of parasites. Regardless of the type, they are equally dangerous to humans.

Head louse

The name speaks for itself. This type of parasite affects mainly the temporal and occipital parts of the head. With extensive infestation, individuals cover the entire head. As mentioned above, every day the female hatches an average of up to 8 eggs, which she lays and attaches to her hair or scalp. Biting through the skin, it feeds on blood, infecting the surface of the head and causing unbearable itching.

Redness appears at the site of the bite. During initial infection (especially in children), pediculosis can be confused with an allergy. As a rule, it is difficult to see the louse itself. Since it moves very well along the scalp, thanks to the hooks on its legs. With their help, it moves easily through the hair. Infestation can be determined by the presence of nits, which look like whitish grains on the hair, reminiscent of dandruff.

Body louse

This type of parasite is localized on clothing, selecting to feed on human skin. The body louse lays its eggs in the folds of clothing and the folds of seams. This species differs from the head one in size and is almost white in color. The blood that is sucked makes it darker.

The body louse is a modified type of head bloodsucker, which has evolved over the centuries and has completely adapted to life in human clothing. This is the most dangerous parasite, as it is a carrier of microorganisms from the class of rickettsia, the causative agents of typhus (typhus and relapsing).

This disease was completely eradicated in the Soviet Union, North America and Europe. But as we see from the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 342, outbreaks of typhus have appeared on the territory of the Russian Federation, among them a psychoneurological dispensary in central Russia is named. In accordance with this, a new SanPiN was adopted, which obliges all managers to develop measures for the prevention and detection of parasites.

It is known from history that during the First World War, typhus literally mowed down thousands of soldiers in the trenches. Cases of typhus have also been registered in Europe and America, which allows us to say with confidence that the epidemiological situation is unfavorable.

Pubic louse

Compared to the above-mentioned relatives, the pubic louse is less common. This individual is localized in the pubic area, groin, genitals, anus and armpits, causing severe itching. A small bluish spot appears at the site of the bite. The body structure of this insect differs from the head or body louse; it is short and round, the legs are longer with characteristic hooks at the end.

There are significantly fewer cases of infection compared to body lice and head lice. In most cases it is transmitted sexually, less often through clothing and household items.

Other folk remedies

Other traditional medicines that are no longer so dangerous and toxic include:

• rubbing cranberry juice into your hair for a week to make it easier to comb out. Harmless, but ineffective, does not replace the need to comb out lice and nits with a comb;
• washing your hair with a decoction of mint, rosemary or wild rosemary for a week or 10 days. If a decoction of mint can soothe the skin and relieve itching during combing, then spur and wild rosemary are poisonous plants and should be used in herbal medicine with great caution and under the supervision of a specialist;
• treatment of the head with hellebore water (infusion of hellebore). This remedy is considered antiparasitic, but it does not act on nits, so it is used along with mandatory combing. Hellebore tincture is also toxic and can cause dizziness or poisoning if accidentally ingested. The use of hellebore water is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• onion and garlic mask. Craftsmen recommend applying a paste of these natural antiseptics to the scalp, wrapping the result in a towel, and spending an hour in this “headdress.” Side effects are similar to burns from alcohol or vinegar, although without the consequences of chemical poisoning, and the result is zero;
• decoctions of tansy flowers, sorrel and geranium oil are designed to help the combing procedure and do not have any independent results in the treatment of head lice, however, they do not have any serious side effects;
• washing your hair with tar and dust soap. Soap with birch tar is a traditional “folk” remedy for dandruff, acne and eczema. A high alkaline value (pH) and a comb should help him fight lice. In the case of dust soap, everything is by no means so harmless, since dust is an extremely toxic substance for humans. Thanks to the activity of progressive doctors and the constant development of medical science, dust soap has not been used to treat head lice since the 60s of the last century, but people who like to recommend it can still be found to this day.

Myths about head lice

Quite often you can hear incredible stories about where lice come from and where you can get infected with them. Here is a whole list of common myths about head lice:

• lice can start on their own, since they are located under a person’s scalp, and at some certain point they appear outside on the hair;
• pediculosis can be contracted from animals through close contact with them;
• lice can appear only in those people who are not clean and do not take care of their personal hygiene;
• pediculosis is a childhood disease; it does not apply to adults;
• lice occur in humans due to nervousness - during a stressful situation or depression;
• pediculosis goes away on its own without appropriate treatment;
• modern drugs for head lice are very harmful to health;
• Lice constantly appear only on people with long hair;
• Adults cannot develop lice on clean hair.

Head lice

The most common type is head lice. All age groups are susceptible to it, but most often infestation with parasites is observed in children and adolescents. The culprit of the disease is the head louse. Its habitat is the hair on the head. In cases of severe infestation, it is localized on the eyebrows, mustache or beard. The insect's legs are adapted only for moving along hair with a circular cross-section, so it is impossible to find it on other parts of the body.

The head louse is characterized by a gray color and small size, which does not exceed 4 mm. The parasite's menu consists exclusively of human blood. After a meal, the color of the louse becomes orange, purple, and crimson. Motor abilities are limited to crawling. Bloodsuckers are unable to fly or jump.

On a note!

Adult lice live 30-35 days. Every day, each female lays 4-5 eggs, which she firmly attaches to her hair using a special substance.

Under favorable conditions, first instar larvae emerge from the nits after 7-8 days and begin to actively feed. After three molts, the young generation becomes sexually mature individuals and the reproduction process is repeated again.

Children and lice

Pediculosis in children
Pediculosis in children is a very common phenomenon, which most often manifests itself in the younger generation. They are most characterized by the type of insect that lives in the hair on the head. Lice feed on the blood of their host. Their bites are accompanied by itching, causing discomfort and leading to scratching of the scalp. As insects reproduce, they lay eggs (nits), which are attached to the child’s hair with a specific adhesive enzyme. In appearance, they resemble dandruff, which can sometimes mislead parents. But while dandruff can be blown off, nits are much more difficult to get rid of.

Lice are acquired in children only as a result of direct contact with a carrier of parasites or through his personal clothing or hygiene items. It is quite easy to become infected in child care facilities. After all, children love to exchange clothes, try on other people’s hats, and use their friends’ combs, hairpins and other items. Lice can also be transmitted through public wardrobes in the absence of separate lockers for storing things.

On a note!

Komarovsky gives interesting advice on how to avoid infection with lice in his lecture on lice.

The younger generation is at greatest risk of being infested with lice. The causes of head lice in children are in many ways similar to the same situation in adults, but they also have their own specific characteristics. These include the following factors:

• lack of developed skills in observing hygienic rules that do not allow exchanging clothes, using the same bed, combs, hairpins and other personal items;
• tendency to close contacts - games, fights, hugs, frequent head contacts;
• an abundance of contacts with peers, among whom there may be a carrier of parasites.

Another important reason explaining why a child often gets lice is the low selectivity of children when choosing friends and acquaintances. They communicate equally easily both with well-groomed peers and with children from a disadvantaged environment, for whom there is no one to monitor their cleanliness.

Important!

Young children can become infected with lice directly from an infected mother. This contact is inevitable, but in this situation it all depends on how much she cares about preventing possible infection of her child.

What's next

After you have rid your child of lice, you need to eliminate their presence in your home. And to do this, you need to check not only all your household members for lice, but also treat clothes, towels and bed linen.

To deal with lice, it is best to wash the linen at a temperature of at least 55 degrees, iron it and leave it to sit without using it for a couple of days.

Thus, the vast majority of insects will be destroyed by mechanical processing, and possible survivors will starve to death while the laundry sits.

For prevention, you can also apply lavender and tea tree oil to the back of the child’s head and behind the ears - this will not save 100% from lice, but will greatly reduce the possibility of infection, since insects do not like them very much.

Non-drug remedies

Traditional methods of treating lice

To destroy lice and their eggs in adults and children, you can use herbal or folk remedies:

• the most radical and effective method is removing hair from the head or shaving the head;
• Grandmother’s remedies, such as kerosene, Dichlorvos or vinegar, are considered by modern experts to be ineffective and even harmful to the skin and health of the child;
• hellebore water - affects the nervous system of insects, applied to damp hair for 30 minutes, but often causes allergic reactions;
• decoctions of wormwood, beets, wild rosemary, geranium, bird cherry, elecampane, which are used for washing hair; experts consider their use ineffective;
• using tar soap to soap your hair, then putting on a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner;
• An important step in the fight against pediculosis is combing out dead lice and nits after treatment, this is especially a labor-intensive process if modern girls have long hair; to make the task easier, a special comb is used;
• when eyelashes or eyebrows are infested with pubic lice, Vaseline oil is used twice a day, which blocks the breathing of lice, the course of treatment is long - 7-10 days;
• to get rid of linen lice, it is necessary to boil or treat all things, and insecticidal emulsions, aerosols and shampoos that affect adult lice and nits are used for the body. It is also recommended to treat the skin with antibacterial and wound-healing drugs due to the high risk of dermatological problems.

Treatment tactics

There are several tactics for treating head lice; the choice of one or another depends on the characteristics of the disease.

You can get rid of head lice using special shampoos, ointments, and aerosols. They are presented in pharmacies in a wide range; the following products have proven themselves to be the best:

• 20% benzyl benzoate suspension,
• 5% boric ointment,
• 1% malathion lotion,
• permethrin preparations (Nittifor, Para-Plus, Sumitrin).

Treatment with special means allows you to kill only adult individuals and half of the nits. Most of the eggs survive, so the second stage involves mechanical removal of the surviving “semi-finished products”. If even one live nit remains on the head, re-infection will occur.

The fight against body lice is carried out as follows:

1. All clothing and bedding must be boiled or steamed.
2. After this, it is important to hang the laundry outside and air it for a whole week.
3. When processing clothes, you need to remember that the female tries to lay nits in hard-to-reach places (in folds, seams). Once there, they are able to withstand heat treatment and remain viable. Therefore, it is important to take these points into account when ironing clothes.

Treatment of the skin with any pediculocidal preparation is considered mandatory: nits of the pubic sutures can be fixed on vellus hairs.

Pubic lice are treated as follows:

1. All clothes and bedding in the house must be washed and then ironed with a hot iron.
2. On the body, if possible, shave all areas where there is vegetation (pubic area, armpits, legs). There is no need to shave your head: pubic lice can only attach to hair with a triangular cross-section; hair with a round cross-section grows on the head.
3. For disinfection, you need to treat the bite sites with 5% boron ointment or 20% benzyl benzoate emulsion. You can also use Para-Plus aerosol or Pax spray for these purposes.

If there are parasites on the eyelashes and eyelids, you need to remove them from there with tweezers.

Using alcohol for lice

Treatment with alcohol for absolutely any disease is traditional for residents of the middle zone. Pediculosis was no exception. According to “grandmother’s” recipes, the best remedy for lice is undiluted alcohol (96%), namely an alcohol “mask” for hair and scalp. Anonymous authors of folk remedies recommend applying alcohol along the entire length of the hair, and most importantly, thoroughly treating the scalp with a burning mixture. Next, you need to wrap the child’s scalp in cellophane and make him sit in place with such a “fireball” for 30 minutes to an hour. The method promises to radically remove not only adult lice, but also nits in one go, however, in case of special zeal and tenacity of lice, the compress can be repeated. After the procedure, it is necessary to remove dead insects with a comb or fine comb.

This technique is most likely based on the belief in the disinfecting properties of alcohol and the stereotype that lice appear from dirt. Unfortunately, the antibacterial properties of a chemical liquid only apply to bacteria and microorganisms, which cannot include lice. But an alcohol compress is an excellent remedy for a scalp burn. Alcohol has tanning properties, and if the solution is highly dehydrated (alcohol content is 70–96%), it can damage the tissue and structure of the hair. Inhaling alcohol vapor can cause irritation and burns to the respiratory tract. Add to this the risk of 96% alcohol getting on the mucous membrane of the eye, and yourself evaluate the effectiveness of this method for combating lice in the 21st century.

Methodology for getting rid of lice on hair

Therapy for pediculosis
Once the fact of the presence of lice in the hair has been established, and the sources of infection have been identified, it is necessary to take urgent measures to combat pediculosis. Parasites are highly resilient, so the process of getting rid of them requires a lot of patience. If nits are detected, you must immediately consult a doctor and decide on the choice of an effective and safe lice treatment.

There are several methods used in the treatment of head lice at home - mechanical, chemical, folk and combined methods. The mechanical method involves combing nits out of the hair using a special lice comb or using your fingers. This process is quite labor-intensive and requires regular combing of the hair four times at regular intervals for two weeks.

Treatment of lice on hair and prevention of re-infestation is provided by highly effective chemical drugs. In pharmacies you can always buy aerosols, sprays, shampoos, lotions, ointments and even repellents, which will help you avoid infection when visiting places that are unfavorable in terms of sanitary conditions, and will also become a reliable preventive measure.

Pediculicides contain highly effective insecticides - malathion, phenothrin, permethrin, benzyl benzoate, as well as various combinations thereof. When using chemicals, you must strictly follow the rules of use prescribed in the instructions, which will avoid negative consequences.

Folk remedies, widely used in everyday life, also help get rid of lice. Pediculosis can be treated using the following methods:

• shaving your head or cutting long hair;
• use of decoctions of medicinal plants;
• the use of kerosene with vegetable oil;
• applying vinegar solution or hellebore water to hair;
• use of Dichlorvos;
• tar soap.

Prevention

If a conscious person knows the reasons for the development of the disease, then for the purpose of prevention he should avoid provoking factors in every possible way. If infection has already occurred, the first step is to wash bed linen and clothes, iron things, and additionally steam all items that the sick person has come into contact with. This is the main prevention of pediculosis in order to save the family from mass infection. After determining the cause of the pathology, preventive measures are as follows:

1. In everyday life, use a personal comb and other personal hygiene items.
2. Carefully follow your daily routine, avoid visiting crowded places and contact with unfamiliar people.
3. Use shampoos with a preventive effect against head lice to wash your hair.
4. Inspect your head every week for lice and take timely measures to combat parasites.
5. Eat right, be sure to enrich your diet with valuable vitamins, minerals, and microelements.

In children

Knowing the measures to combat the disease and the causes of its occurrence, adults should tell their children about prevention in a timely manner. For example, you should not use someone else’s comb, otherwise the risk of contracting lice will only increase. Prevention of head lice in children involves observing personal hygiene rules and limiting contact with sick people. It is recommended to focus on the following measures to prevent head lice:

1. Every three days, wash your child’s hair using special anti-lice shampoos.
2. Keep the children's room clean and tidy, and do general cleaning regularly.
3. Examine the baby's head every 10 days, and when visiting kindergarten - once a week.

Shampoo

Effective prophylactic agents are available for free sale. Every person should know what pediculosis is - causes, prevention, measures to combat parasites - also valuable information in his life. It is better to prevent a disease than to treat it later. For example, for patients at risk, it makes sense to buy shampoo to prevent head lice and use it once a week. Here are effective remedies, predominantly on sale:

• Para-Plus;
• Paranit Shampoo;
• Anti-Bit;
• Pedilin;
• Hygia.

Clean pediculosis: how to recognize lice

Strange as it may sound, head lice is often called a disease of clean people. It has been noticed that insects are more likely to move onto the heads of those who wash their hair every day, carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene, and try to keep their home clean all the time. This is explained by the fact that it is easier to bite through a clean cover than a dirty one.

You can become infected with lice where there is close contact with a sick person. This could be public transport, elevator shafts, or standing in queues. Lice never hibernate; they adapt very quickly to new conditions and begin to reproduce almost immediately. Therefore, literally within a week, the first signs of their presence are easily detected. Here are several ways to make a primary diagnosis.

1. Comb test. To implement it, you need to choose a manufacturing option with very small teeth. To make the combing process easier, experts recommend treating your hair with any vegetable oil beforehand. Then take some unnecessary white cloth, spread it in front of you and start combing your hair strand by strand, starting from the root to the very tip. If there are lice on your head, they will definitely fall on the rag. They will be clearly visible against a white background. Lice cannot jump like bedbugs or fly like flies; if a fallen insect runs quickly, it is a lice.
2. Studying hair. By opening the strands at the back of the head or at the temples, you can find white nits (parasite eggs) on the hair. They do not move, unlike dandruff, they are difficult to remove from the hair: you have to use force to pull them off. There are two types of nits: gray - empty eggs, white with a yellow tint - live. If you press them with your nails, a characteristic cracking sound is heard.
3. Study of the scalp. Insects feed on blood; to get to it they bite through the skin. These actions cause the appearance of characteristic marks - red dotted irritations. Their appearance causes severe itching; in order to get rid of it, the infected person tries to comb the affected area. These actions also leave characteristic traces.

Soaking clothes in very hot water helps detect body lice. The insects instantly die and float to the surface. You can see them with a magnifying glass. Infection with pubic lice is detected after the appearance of characteristic signs: itching at night in the pubic area and around the anus, the appearance of blue spots on the affected skin, the presence of the parasite itself (it sits in one place and does not move), and there are many nits near it.

Detection of parasites should force you to seek help from a dermatologist.

Treatment of the disease

An increase in incidence is observed in the cold season. In developed countries, a surge in lice activity is recorded at the beginning of autumn. This is due to the beginning of school time, when children return from long trips, dachas or villages. Close contact provokes the active spread of parasites. But pediculosis is very treatable. Medications and the creation of unfavorable conditions for parasites can quickly eliminate the pathology.

Mechanical method

Often used by people without visiting a doctor. It consists of cutting the main length and carefully combing the hair. In this way, it is possible to destroy the main part of the nits. In addition, you need to pay attention to eyebrows and eyelashes: parasite eggs can also be laid there.

The mechanical method of dealing with lice is considered extremely effective, but has some unpleasant aspects for an adult or child. The main procedures that a patient with lice will have to go through:

1. Thoroughly wash your hair and rinse with a 5-10% acetic acid solution.
2. Hair cutting and shaving. This stage is especially sensitive for girls, who are often sorry to part with long locks. It is best to collect cut hair on paper and burn it.
3. Using a private comb. It is very difficult to remove all nits by hand, since the females attach the larvae very firmly. But with a very frequent comb you can get rid of most of them.

It is not always necessary to resort to a mechanical method of elimination. Much depends on the stage of the disease and the doctor’s recommendations. A visit to a specialist is required if a child under 2 years of age has been infected, a severe allergic reaction is observed, or the victim suffers from asthma.

Medication method

In most cases, in the early stages of the development of pediculosis, it is possible to get by using chemicals. Shampoos, ointments, aerosols and hair gels can destroy parasites with a single use, but this effect is not always achieved. If there are ulcers, severe inflammation from scratching or allergies, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is necessary.

The most popular means:

1. Insecticides containing permethrin. Permethrin, Nittifor, Medifox, NOC, Nix and Zebrix-Teva are considered effective. The drugs are available in the form of lotion, cream or shampoo.

   The drug “Medifox” is excellent for the treatment of pediculosis

2. Insecticides with malathion. Malathion, Pedilin, Novaktion and Karbofos are popular. Products are available in the form of an emulsion or shampoo.
3. Shampoos with sumitrin. Recommended drugs are Pyrethrin or Anti-bit.

Today, pharmacies offer many other brands and names. If it is difficult to choose an effective remedy on your own, then it is better to seek help from a doctor.

You should not resort to radical folk methods. One of these methods of treating and preventing pediculosis is the use of kerosene. The head is covered with a caustic substance and covered with an airtight cap. You can get rid of lice quickly and effectively, but the risk of causing irreparable damage to your hair is extremely high.

How to deal with lice

It is worth clearly understanding that it is impossible to “comb out” lice - if only one insect remains, and soon the “population” will be completely restored. Not to mention the fact that nits - lice larvae - are very difficult to mechanically remove from hair. Therefore, you cannot hope for a comb, even a frequent one.

There is a carriage and a small cart of folk remedies, but they have two significant drawbacks. Firstly, they are simply aesthetically disgusting and can cause panic in a child. Well, no one likes being doused with kerosene or having their hair cut bald, especially children. Secondly, all these remedies, with the exception of hair removal, are weakly effective and all procedures will have to be repeated two or three times.

And most importantly, medicine has long stepped forward over the past decades and has created safe and quite effective medications to combat head lice. So go to the doctor first, and then to the pharmacy!

How dangerous are lice?

It is extremely important to know how to remove lice, because lice can provoke the development of some serious diseases and cause a number of complications. So, due to lice not treated in time, the following ailments may appear:

• conjunctivitis;
• lymphadenitis;
• blepharitis;
• skin bacterial infection;
• impetigo;
• typhus.

All this can be avoided if you use anti-pediculosis agents in a timely manner and properly treat your hair with them.

General information about parasites

In order for the fight against lice to be as effective as possible, you need not only to know what they look like, but also to have information about their favorite habitat and the conditions under which the existence of parasites becomes impossible. And also about the causes, prevention and measures to combat pediculosis. This will help you successfully cope with the disease or prevent its occurrence.

Key facts to know about lice:

1. The size of the parasites is very small - 0.4-6 mm, so it can be difficult to notice them in thick or long hair.
2. Lice feed on human blood, biting through a thin layer of the epidermis with piercing-sucking mouthparts. During a bite, the insect secretes saliva, which causes a feeling of itching and irritation in a person.

   Lice bites cause severe itching on the skin under the hairline.

3. Contrary to popular belief, these parasites cannot fly or jump long distances. Rapid long-term movement and hibernation under the skin are also a myth.
4. The eggs that lice lay are called nits. They stick very tightly to the hair and are extremely difficult to get rid of.
5. The lifespan of an adult is about 40 days, and parasites can survive without a “host” for only 10 days.
6. They adapt well to different conditions, exist and parasitize at temperatures no higher than +44°C.
7. Human lice have nothing in common with lice that live on animals; they are a completely different type of lice.

Pediculosis must be treated in the early stages to avoid complications

To survive, lice need to feed on blood every 2-3 hours, otherwise they die. The female parasite is capable of laying from 5 to 10 eggs daily, and over the entire period of its existence the louse lays up to 300 eggs. After just 2 weeks, new individuals become adults and are able to continue the process of active reproduction.

Such features require immediate treatment, since the increase in numbers occurs exponentially.

This video talks about the causes of lice in children:

What to do if lice are found

If you find lice, it is best to go to the doctor. As we have already said, lice can be carriers of typhus, and typhoid is no joke. Next, if a child has lice, notify the class teacher or kindergarten teachers. It is likely that the source of infection is there and other parents need to keep this in mind. Especially because head lice does not appear instantly and one child can infect an entire group before anyone notices. Then it’s worth checking the rest of the household. After this, start treatment.

Reviews

Marina, 32 years old Due to the illness of one of the employees, we had to choose drugs for head lice, first for prevention, and then as a control measure. You can't find anything better than Para-Plus under such circumstances. I washed my hair once and the itching disappeared. The cause of the illness went away, although it took another week to comb out the dead nits. From now on I keep this product for the prevention of head lice.

Katerina, 30 With increased physical activity and regular long-distance travel, I know well what lice is and its causes. I use Paranit lotion as a reliable control measure, and Hygia for prevention. One dose is enough to completely get rid of lice. For all causes of head lice, I highly recommend it.

Anna, 25 years old My daughter brought head lice from kindergarten. The reasons are obvious, there are many children. As a measure to combat insects, I chose Paranit lotion. I washed my daughter’s hair once, and everything went away. The composition is greasy, it takes a long time to wash your hair, but it really works. Once was enough, and I keep the rest of the bottle to prevent head lice.

How to treat lice and nits

Treatment for lice and nits is selected depending on the type of parasite. The use of special preparations for treating hair, body and clothing is prescribed.

Head ones

To eliminate head lice, the scalp is treated with special means . The exact number of procedures depends on the drug used.

Medicines are prescribed that have ovicidal and pediculocidal activity:

• boric ointment 5%;
• water-soap suspension of benzyl benzoate;
• serormercury ointment 20%.

IMPORTANT. If complications arise after eliminating nits and lice, the use of white mercury ointment at 2-5% is prescribed.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 5 years of age and patients with respiratory diseases should have parasites removed mechanically. For this, a special metal comb is used.

Clothes

To get rid of body lice, you need to carry out a whole range of measures . All infected items must be treated with high temperature and insecticides.

Previously, it was recommended to treat things with kerosene, but this method is outdated. To eliminate body lice, you should use the following medications:

1. Medifox. Its active substance is relatively harmless to humans.
2. NOC. The drug has an anti-pediculosis and insecticidal effect. The active ingredients cause parasite paralysis.
3. Buzzed. Used for both head and body lice.
4. Pedilin. The basis of the medicine is tetramethrin and malathion. They penetrate the chitinous layer of the insect and poison it. With prolonged contact with the drug, side effects are observed.
5. Karbofos. The drug has a nerve-paralytic effect.

A special product is used for the body. This could be shampoo, spray or lotion. Effective drugs:

• Nit Free;
• Para Plus;
• Nittifor.

Before use, you must read the instructions . In most cases, the affected areas of the body need to be treated with the drug and wrapped in cling film. After some time, the product is washed off.

Folk remedies can be used for the same purpose . You must first consult with a specialist. When using them, you must be as careful as possible, as you can injure the skin.

Such parasites cannot tolerate strong and persistent aromas.

It is recommended to place dried tansy flowers in bags and place them in clothing storage areas.
Such bouquets can be placed in closets with underwear and bed linen. Tansy infusion can be used for rinsing after bathing.

Preventive measures for pediculosis

Epidemics of this socially significant disease can be prevented if the following conditions are met:

• it is imperative to isolate those already ill until complete recovery;
• It is necessary to conduct regular and frequent medical examinations for timely identification of infected
• It is necessary from time to time to organize preventive disinfection of the living environment and mandatory - in case of detection of facts of real morbidity

Dead and living lice
Preventive measures for head lice should also be reflected in educational work. Conducting special classes for schoolchildren and students, giving mandatory lectures within work teams and public groups, television reports and broadcasts of popular science films - all this will significantly reduce the frequency of lice diagnosis.

Life cycle of lice

Prevention measures for pediculosis must necessarily take into account the general standard of living of the population, natural and man-made factors in the development of specific communities and territories.

The main signs of lice

When one or more parasites get on human hair, symptoms appear a few days after the parasites adapt and begin life. Main features:

• Severe itching . When a louse bites through the skin, it releases substances into the skin that help thin the blood. They irritate the skin and cause unbearable itching, leading to scratching and the formation of wounds that can become infected.
• The appearance of grayish-red spots on the skin . This is caused by a violation of skin pigmentation in places of bites, since the insect’s saliva contains substances that can thin the blood.

• The appearance of nits on the hair

  . They are firmly attached using an adhesive substance secreted by the louse. The attachment is so strong that it cannot be washed off with water or shampoo. The shell, after the larva has left it, remains on the surface of the hair for a long time.
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ears . Occurs with severe and advanced forms of infection.
• The appearance of ulcers and non-healing wounds . Appears when scratched and gets infected.
• Difficulty combing hair, the appearance of tangled balls . The hair on the head has a sloppy appearance. This is a consequence of the release of adhesive substances by lice, which are intended for attaching nits.

Often, reddish spots and itching can be attributed to other skin diseases and allergies. Therefore, it is worth warning that the appearance of these signs should be the reason for a thorough examination of the scalp. Make sure it's not head lice. To do this, you need to take a white piece of paper, a special comb, or if you don’t have one, then a fairly small comb. Comb your hair onto a leaf; if you get a louse, take action immediately.

What do lice and nits look like in hair?

Head lice are very small parasites and are often difficult to find and can be confused with dandruff. Knowing how to accurately tell the difference between head lice and dandruff can make a huge difference when it comes to deciding on treatment.

In order to find lice, you need to know exactly where to look . Keep in mind that in order to examine your baby's head, you will need as much light as possible. Lighting is very important in searching. Also, it will be easier to identify parasites with a magnifying glass. If it is not there, the procedure becomes more complicated. Once your child has stated that they are suffering from the most common symptoms of head lice, you should begin by examining the scalp immediately. Section your hair into several layers and carefully examine the scalp behind the ears and on the neck. If your child has been scratching their head, you will most likely see redness or small bumps.

You won't see the lice themselves because they are so small and they move quickly - especially in hot or bright light conditions . Nits are usually located behind the ears and in the neck area. They resemble yellow or white teardrop shaped sacs, if you touch them you will feel a grainy texture.

ATTENTION! Remember that quickly identifying the problem can make the difference when it comes to good preventative treatment in order to prevent the problem in the future.