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Pediculosis corresponds to the lice infestation that can appear on the head, being more frequent to happen, mainly in school-age children, or in the hair of the pubic region, eyelashes or eyebrows. The presence of lice can cause severe itching where it is present and, as a consequence of itching, can lead to the appearance of small wounds in the region.
The louse is a parasite that does not fly or jump but passes from one person to another through direct contact with the hair of a person with lice or through the use of brushes, combs, hats, pillows or sheets. These parasites feed only on blood, live on average 30 days and multiply very quickly, as each female lays between 7 to 10 nits per day.
How to identify
Head lice are brown or black, so they are more difficult to observe because they are easily confused with hair. Thus, in order to identify pediculosis it is important that the person is attentive to the appearance of some signs and symptoms in the place where there is an infestation, which can be noticed:
- Intense itching on the spot;
- Small wounds in the region of infestation;
- Local redness;
- Small white dots appear on the scalp, which are usually associated with the presence of nits;
- Signs of inflammation, such as an increase in the temperature of the area, due to the presence of saliva and droppings from the louse.
Thus, in the presence of these signs and symptoms, it is important to start treatment, which should be guided by the doctor according to the location of the infestation, and the use of specific shampoos, sprays or use of oral antiparasitic drugs, for example, may be advised.
How treatment should be
Treatment for pediculosis may vary according to the location where the infestation occurs, however in general it may be recommended by the doctor to use specific shampoos against lice and nits that should be applied to dry or wet hair according to the recommendation of the manufacturer.
After applying the shampoo, use a fine comb to remove the lice and nits that have been killed by the product. It is also indicated that the shampoo be applied again 1 week later, as the time for the development of the louse is about 12 days and, therefore, a new application is recommended to ensure the removal of all lice and nits. Here's how to use lice shampoo.
In addition, as a way to complement the treatment, some home remedies that can be based on vinegar, rue, cornmeal or essential oils that also help to fight lice can also be used. Learn how to prepare home remedies for head lice.
In some cases, it may be indicated, instead of shampoos, the use of an antiparasitic, Ivermectin, in tablet form, being usually indicated in a single dose.
Treatment for pubic pediculosis
In the case of pubic pediculosis, it is usually indicated by the doctor to use a fine comb in the region to try to remove the lice and nits, in addition to the use of sprays, lotions or creams suitable for the genital region and that is effective in the treatment of the infestation. See more details on the treatment of pubic pediculosis.
Check out more tips for treating lice infestation in the following video:
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- BARER, Michael R. et al. Medical Microbiology - A guide to Microbial Infections: Pathogenesis, immunity, laboratory investigation and control. 19th ed. Elsevier, 2018. 633.
- ZEIBIG, Elizabeth A. Clinical Parasitology. 2nd ed. United States of America: Elsevier, 2013. 312-314.