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HEAD LICE: FACTS AND FALLACIES
by Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services
There are many
myths and rumors associated with contracting and treating head
lice. To help dispel some of these seemingly perennial
misconceptions I have been asked to provide this information
sheet.
'Pediculosis
Capitis' in the medical term for head lice. Head lice are tiny
mites that live in human hair. Head lice spend their lifecycle
on the human scalp and survive by sucking the host's blood - in
much the same way as a mosquito.
The female louse
lays about 6-9 small white eggs (called nits) per night when the
host is still. The nits are cemented to the hair shaft close to
the scalp; the temperature of the scalp being ideal for their
maturing and hatching.
The nits hatch in
about 6-7 days, with the new lice reaching maturity in about 10
days. Adult lice live for about 20-30 days.
Head lice multiply
quickly, and are not only a distressing annoyance but in some
countries can also carry serious diseases like typhus and trench
fever.
Tell Tale Signs
-
Persistent,
intense itching of the back of the head or neck. (The
intense itching is a result of an allergic reaction to the
lice's saliva).
-
Tiny white
specks firmly attached near the base of individual hair.
These are the 'nits' or eggs.
-
Seeing the
mites themselves.
How does head
lice spread?
-
Direct. close
contact or by shared combs, brushes or caps.
-
Can also travel
from one head to another on a towel, pillow or seat/chair
headrest.
-
Borrowing
ribbons, scarves or other head coverings.
-
Because head
lice prefer an undisturbed environment, they are more
commonly seen in people with longer hair and/or who don't
wash/brush their hair regularly.
Some common
myths
-
Head lice do
not only go to clean hair.
-
Head lice
cannot fly but can jump from person to person.
-
They do not
live in pillows or mattresses and come out at night!.
Treatment
-
Consult a
qualified health professional such as your family doctor.
-
Modern
commercial preparations will usually eradicate infestations
in a one step shampooing treatment. Again, consult your
doctor or pharmacist.
-
Following
treatment remove dead mites and nits with a tine-toothed
(preferably metal) 'nit comb' Robi-combs are reported to be
quite effective in trapping mites and nits.
-
Head lice are
very contagious. and it is advisable that all family members
be treated promptly and at the same time
-
Thoroughly
wash, dryclean or dispose of any items that came in contact
with the infested scalp These items would include brushes,
combs, hairclips, caps, ribbons and hairdressing or
household linen.
Some Important
Points!
-
The white
shells that can easily be seen is the louse's natural
diversionary camouflage. These shells are empty and
harmless.
-
The living eggs
are laid close to the scalp as the hair grows outward to
reveal previously undetected eggs.
-
Treatment
failure may then be assumed as the hair grows outward to
reveal previously undetected eggs.
If an effective
louse/ovicide treatment has been used, no mobile stages of lice
will be detected and re-treatment is not necessary
A trichologist is a
non-medical specialist of hair loss and scalp problems.
About the Author:
Tony Pearce is a Specialist Trichologist
& Registered Nurse. He is a founding member
of the Society for Progressive Trichology &
the official lecturer for Analytical
Reference Laboratory (ARL) for hair loss &
hormone imbalance. He is the Clinical
Director for Trichology of Virginia/DC in
the United States. In Australia he can be
contacted on 02 9542 2700, or through his
website at
www.hairlossclinic.com.au.
Copyright Anthony Pearce
2005. *References for this article available on request
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