Head Lice Flashcards

1
Q

How many eggs do female head lice lay, and how long does it take to hatch?

A

• Females lay 5-6 eggs/day (up to 300 eggs in a lifetime).
• Eggs hatch after 7-10 days.

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2
Q

What is the life cycle of head lice?

A

• Takes 10 days for newly hatched lice to reach adult form.
• Lice live for 1-2 months.

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3
Q

What are nits, and do they indicate a current infection?

A

Nits are empty white egg shells that stick strongly to the hair. They are not a sign of a current infection and are not removed by treatment.

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4
Q

Do many people experience symptoms of lice infestation?

A

Many people do not have symptoms of lice infestation.

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5
Q

What causes the itchy scalp in lice infestations?

A

Itchy scalp is caused by an allergic response to the saliva of lice, not by the biting of the scalp

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6
Q

How long does it often take for itching to develop after lice infestation?

A

It often takes three months for itching to develop.

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7
Q

Can itching persist after lice are eradicated?

A

Yes, the itch can persist even after eradication.

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8
Q

Where might someone experience an itchy rash in a lice infestation?

A

An itchy rash may appear on the back of the neck and behind the ears.

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9
Q

Which age group is most affected by head lice?

A

Children aged 4-11 years old, especially girls, are most affected.

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10
Q

How are head lice transmitted?

A

Head lice are transmitted by head-to-head contact (they do not jump).

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11
Q

Can head lice on pillows or other objects infect a person?

A

No, head lice on pillows or objects are thought to be incapable of infecting a person and die within 24 hours.

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12
Q

What is the best method for detecting and removing head lice?

A

The wet hair method is the best option.

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13
Q

What are the steps in the wet hair method for lice removal? (5)

A

1.Wash hair as normal.
2.Apply lots of conditioner.
3.Comb out tangles.
4.Use a detection comb from the roots to tips, checking for lice after each stroke.
5.Rinse out conditioner and repeat

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14
Q

How is the dry hair method different from the wet hair mthod? (3)

A

1.Comb out tangles with a regular comb.
2.Use a detection comb to comb each section 3-4 times.
3.Trap lice with your thumb to prevent them from being repelled by static electricity.
Continue until the whole head is covered.

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15
Q

What are some examples of physical insecticides for head lice? (5)

A

. Dimeticone 4% (Hedrin®) lotion/gel/spray

. Dimeticone 92% (NYDA®) spray

. Dimeticone >95% (Linicin®) lotion

. Isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone (Full Marks Solution®)

. Isopropyl myristate and isopropyl alcohol aerosol (Vamousse®)

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16
Q

What is an example of a chemical insecticide for head lice?

A

Malathion 0.5% aqueous liquid (Derbac-M®)

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17
Q

What is an alternative method for treating head lice?

A

Wet combing using a Bug Busting comb and method or other combs.

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18
Q

How long should lice treatment be left on the hair?

A

The product should be left on for the time recommended by the manufacturer, typically 8-12 hours (or overnight).

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19
Q

Why is it recommended to apply insecticides twice?

A

Insecticides should be applied twice, at least 7 days apart, to treat lice hatching from eggs before they can lay more eggs.

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20
Q

What precautions should be taken when using dimeticone-containing products?

A

Hair should be kept away from naked flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources, as dimeticone is not water-based and may not prevent hair from burning.

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21
Q

What should be done after treatment to ensure success?

A

After treatment, detection combing should be done to check if the treatment was successful.

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22
Q

In what forms is Derbac-M® (Malathion) available?

A

Derbac-M® is available as a liquid, lotion, or shampoo

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23
Q

Is Derbac-M® safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

A

Yes, Derbac-M® is licensed for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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24
Q

What is the reported cure rate for Derbac-M® in trials?

A

The cure rate reported in trials is between 33-75%

25
Q

Are there any concerns with using Derbac-M®?

A

A: There have been reports of resistance, reluctance to use traditional chemical insecticides, and an unpleasant smell.

26
Q

What are the common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) for Derbac-M®?

A

ADRs include irritation and erythema (redness) of the scalp and hands.

27
Q

How does Hedrin® (Dimeticone) work as a physical insecticide?

A

It blocks the tubes lice use to breathe and pass out water.

28
Q

Why is Hedrin® less likely to cause resistance?

A

A: It is a physical insecticide, making resistance less likely.

29
Q

What is the fragrance of Hedrin®?

A

Hedrin® is odourless or has a faint fragrance.

30
Q

How should Hedrin® be applied and for how long?

A

Apply to dry hair and leave overnight (at least 8 hours). There is also now a 1-hour preparation option.

31
Q

What is the reported cure rate of Hedrin® in UK trials?

A

Cure rates of 70% have been reported in UK trials.

32
Q

What forms does Hedrin® come in? (3)

A

Hedrin® is available in lotions, liquid, and spray gel forms.

33
Q

How does Full Marks Solution® kill lice?

A

It dissolves the wax coating on the louse exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death.

34
Q

How should Full Marks Solution® be applied and for how long?

A

Apply to dry hair, leave for 5-10 minutes, then comb out lice.

35
Q

What should you do after using Full Marks Solution®?

A

Wash hair with shampoo to remove the solution.

36
Q

Is Full Marks Solution® safe for asthmatics?

A

Yes, it is suitable for asthmatics.

37
Q

What are the tree key beneficial characteristics of Full Marks Solution®?

A

It is odourless, suitable for use in individuals over 2 years old, and unlikely to develop resistance.

38
Q

What are the cure rates and potential side effects of Full Marks Solution®?

A

Cure rates in trials range from 52-82%, with common side effects including skin irritation. Ovicidal activity is unknown.

39
Q

What is a key concern with Vamousse® (Isopropyl myristate & isopropyl alcohol)?

A

There is a lack of trial data on its use.

40
Q

Can Vamousse® be used by people with asthma?

A

No, Vamousse® contains alcohol and should not be used by people with asthma.

41
Q

What is the recommended age for using Vamousse®?

A

Vamousse® is suitable for individuals aged 2 years and older.

42
Q

How long should Vamousse® be applied to the hair?

A

It should be applied to dry hair for 15 minutes.

43
Q

Does Vamousse® need to be reapplied?

A

No, there is no need to reapply Vamousse®.

44
Q

What is the resistance profile of Vamousse®?

A

Vamousse® is unlikely to develop resistance.

45
Q

What is the method used in the Bug Buster® Kit?

A

The Bug Buster® Kit removes head lice without using chemicals, relying on combing.

46
Q

What are the benefits of using the Bug Buster® Kit?

A

It is inexpensive, reusable, and has no chemicals, so no resistance develops. There are no contraindications or side effects.

47
Q

How is the Bug Buster® Kit method similar to wet combing?

A

The method is similar to wet detection combing, needing repetition and application to every family member.

48
Q

How long does it take to use the Bug Buster® Kit properly?

A

It takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on hair length and texture.

49
Q

How often should the Bug Buster® Kit be used?

A

Use it every 3 or 4 days for 2-3 weeks, or until no lice are found on 3 consecutive sessions (or four sessions spaced over 2 weeks).

50
Q

What is the cure rate for the Bug Buster® Kit?

A

The cure rate is around 50%, primarily due to a lack of consistent use.

51
Q

Why are shampoos not recommended for head lice treatment?

A

Shampoos have too little contact time and are often diluted, making them less effective.

52
Q

What types of products are generally recommended for head lice treatment?

A

Lotions and liquids are recommended for better efficacy.

53
Q

Why may physical insecticides with short contact times still be effective?

A

Physical insecticides may have a longer-lasting effect even with a shorter contact time if applied correctly, due to their mode of action.

54
Q

Are alcoholic preparations suitable for everyone?

A

No, alcoholic preparations are not suitable for people with asthma or eczema.

55
Q

What are the first-line recommendations for head lice treatment in certain groups?

A

Wet combing or dimeticone 4% lotion is recommended first-line for pregnant/breastfeeding women, children aged 6 months to 2 years, and patients with asthma or eczema.

56
Q

What are common causes of treatment failure for head lice? (6)

A

Poor technique, inadequate insecticide quantity, no repeat application, resistance, short contact time, and re-infection.

57
Q

How much insecticide should be used based on hair length?

A

1 small bottle for short/shoulder-length hair, 1 large or 2 small bottles for longer, thicker hair.

58
Q

How does re-infection happen during lice treatment?

A

Re-infection can occur through close contact with an infected person

59
Q
A