Head Lice Flashcards
How many eggs do female head lice lay, and how long does it take to hatch?
• Females lay 5-6 eggs/day (up to 300 eggs in a lifetime).
• Eggs hatch after 7-10 days.
What is the life cycle of head lice?
• Takes 10 days for newly hatched lice to reach adult form.
• Lice live for 1-2 months.
What are nits, and do they indicate a current infection?
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.
Do many people experience symptoms of lice infestation?
Many people do not have symptoms of lice infestation.
What causes the itchy scalp in lice infestations?
Itchy scalp is caused by an allergic response to the saliva of lice, not by the biting of the scalp
How long does it often take for itching to develop after lice infestation?
It often takes three months for itching to develop.
Can itching persist after lice are eradicated?
Yes, the itch can persist even after eradication.
Where might someone experience an itchy rash in a lice infestation?
An itchy rash may appear on the back of the neck and behind the ears.
Which age group is most affected by head lice?
Children aged 4-11 years old, especially girls, are most affected.
How are head lice transmitted?
Head lice are transmitted by head-to-head contact (they do not jump).
Can head lice on pillows or other objects infect a person?
No, head lice on pillows or objects are thought to be incapable of infecting a person and die within 24 hours.
What is the best method for detecting and removing head lice?
The wet hair method is the best option.
What are the steps in the wet hair method for lice removal? (5)
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
How is the dry hair method different from the wet hair mthod? (3)
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.
What are some examples of physical insecticides for head lice? (5)
. 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®)
What is an example of a chemical insecticide for head lice?
Malathion 0.5% aqueous liquid (Derbac-M®)
What is an alternative method for treating head lice?
Wet combing using a Bug Busting comb and method or other combs.
How long should lice treatment be left on the hair?
The product should be left on for the time recommended by the manufacturer, typically 8-12 hours (or overnight).
Why is it recommended to apply insecticides twice?
Insecticides should be applied twice, at least 7 days apart, to treat lice hatching from eggs before they can lay more eggs.
What precautions should be taken when using dimeticone-containing products?
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.
What should be done after treatment to ensure success?
After treatment, detection combing should be done to check if the treatment was successful.
In what forms is Derbac-M® (Malathion) available?
Derbac-M® is available as a liquid, lotion, or shampoo
Is Derbac-M® safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes, Derbac-M® is licensed for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What is the reported cure rate for Derbac-M® in trials?
The cure rate reported in trials is between 33-75%
