Childhood Have I ever had lice? The itching was so bad that sometimes even the skin on the scalp came off when scratching the head. This causes blood to pool, then pain and irritation.
Pediculosis, an infection caused by lice, is becoming a global problem, according to a study published in the renowned journal “Springer Nature”. A large part of the world’s population is affected by it. The researchers attribute this to direct contact during the selfie. Lice removal clinics in North America and Europe also say that in recent years the number of people going to them for lice removal has increased significantly.
Although anyone can have the problem of lice, it is more common in children. Generally, this problem is often seen in children aged 3 to 11 years old.
It’s lice season. In India, autumn begins at the end of September. This continues until December. This is the most favorable season for the growth of lice.
That’s why today in “Sehatnama” we will talk about lice. You will also learn that-
Why do lice often appear on children’s heads? What can be the danger of having lice in the head if there are lice, what is its treatment?
Lice stick to our scalp
If you don’t know about lice, know that they are small crawling insects. They don’t have wings. They live in the hair of our head. Lice suck blood from our heads, it’s their food. They continue to expand their family rapidly. They lay eggs, called nits. These stick to our scalp. The infection caused by these is called pediculosis.
Why do small children often have the problem of lice?
Lice can be on anyone’s head. It is often said about them that lice never discriminate economically and socially. However, it is also true that this problem is generally found more in children aged 3 to 11 years old.
Dr Vijay Singhal, a dermatologist at Delhi’s Sribalaji Action Medical Institute, says the lifestyle of children is such that they get lice in their heads. Children have one-on-one contact when playing. They share their belongings with each other at school or during games. During this time, lice easily enter the head. Another important reason is that lice are able to easily suck blood from children’s skin. This is why they grow quickly on the head.
How long do lice stay alive in a person’s head?
The average lifespan of a louse is 33 days. However, some lice survive up to 35 days. How long lice survive after applying medicated shampoo or lotion depends on the number of lice present in your hair. If proper treatment is followed, they completely disappear from the head within 2 to 3 weeks.
If you want to get rid of lice as quickly as possible, follow the instructions on the shampoo, lotion or cream.
See the life cycle of head lice in the graph:
How do you know if there are lice in your hair?
The most common symptom of lice is itching. The hair behind the neck and near the ears is more likely to be contaminated with lice. This is why the itching is more intense here.
If the child scratches his head repeatedly at night before sleeping, it is very likely that he has lice. If you look closely at the head in daylight, white lines are visible. These look like dandruff, but they are nits, i.e. lice eggs. If you want more confirmation, you can try removing a few lice using a fine comb.
When it is confirmed that there are lice in the head, you can purchase an over-the-counter medicated shampoo or lotion and apply it to the hair. This is all the more important as children’s scalps are soft. If it goes away quickly due to itching, the risk of infection increases.
Another reason is that children’s sleep may be affected by itching caused by lice. This affects their studies and daily work.
How do lice spread to each other?
Lice can’t fly, they can’t even jump. They can only crawl. So they usually spread by crawling from one person to another during very close contact. Sometimes they can also spread through a towel, sheet, comb or hat.
Dr. Vijay Singhal says there is no truth in the fact that insects like lice found on the bodies of pets spread in the hair of humans. The truth is that human and animal lice are completely different from each other.
There is no truth in the fact that lice proliferate due to lack of hygiene. Lice only spread from person to person. It’s certainly possible that a dirty scalp helps lice stay hidden.
What can happen if you or your child has lice?
The most reassuring thing for you is that lice themselves cannot spread any disease. However, these can cause an itchy head. Repeated itching can irritate your scalp, which can lead to infection.
How are lice treated?
Generally, it is not necessary to go to the doctor if you have lice. For this, a medicated shampoo, lotion or cream can be used. Shampoos contain substances called pyrethrins or permethrins, which kill lice and nits. Carefully follow the instructions written in the shampoo.
How to protect yourself from lice?
The best way to prevent lice is not to share combs, brushes, towels or hats with others. If a person has lice, avoid very close contact with them. After using a comb, etc. at home, soak it in hot water for 10 minutes.
Talk to children about lice and advise them to watch out for them. Such as-
Tell children to avoid head-to-head contact while playing. Do not share your hat or head covering with others.
…………….. from Sehatnama Sehatnama – Pancreatic Cancer Increasing in Indian Men: What are its Symptoms, Treatment and Measures prevention
Cases of pancreatic cancer among Indian men have increased in recent years. This graph has been increasing rapidly over the last 5-10 years, which is worrying the Indian government and doctors. …