Head lice Flashcards
What is head lice due to?
Pediculus capitis
What is Pediculus capitis?
Parasitic insect
Where does pediculus capitis live?
On and among the hair of the scalp of humans.
What do head lice live on?
Our blood
How are head lice spread?
Direct head-to-head contact
Why are head lice more common in children?
They play close together
What is the main sign of head lice?
Itching and scratching on the scalp occurs 2 to 3 weeks after infection.
How can head lice be diagnosed?
Fine-toothed combing of wet or dry hair
How can head lice be diagnosed?
Fine-toothed combing of wet or dry hair
When is treatment for head lice indicated?
When living lice are found
What are the treatment choices for head lice?
Malathion
Wet combing
Dimeticone
Isopropyl myristate
Cyclomethicone
Do household contacts need to be treated for head lice?
No unless they are also affected
Is school exclusion advised for head lice?
No
