Headlice

Question 1

________are hatched or dead eggs.

Answer 1

Nits are hatched or dead eggs.

Question 2

___________are live insects which move freely through the hair and feed on blood

Answer 2

Lice are live insects which move freely through the hair and feed on blood

Question 3

where to look for eggs?

Answer 3

nape of the neck, and back of ears. stuck on the head shaft

Question 4

where to find live lice?

Answer 4

scalp, because they need to feed

Question 5

When considering and examining a patient with suspected headlice it is also important to consider the following:?

Answer 5

Live lice can be found anywhere on the scalp.
Eggs can be found most commonly behind the ears and at the back of the neck
The severity of each infection that you see may vary from a few lice to thousands of lice. A typical infestation may have around 30 lice her head.

Question 6

what treatment for headlice

Answer 6

Non Pesticide Treatments

Pesticide Treatments

Wet Combing

Question 7

how to use a wet comb?

Answer 7

Wet the hair and soak with conditioner or vegetable oil (I know which one I would prefer!!).
Comb over the whole scalp with the plastic detection comb. For a head of medium length hair this can take 10+ minutes, for longer hair, this can take up to 30+ minutes.
This routine should be repeated at four day intervals for a minimum of two weeks.
This should be continued until no lice have been found on three consecutive sessions.

Question 8

what are the drug physical insecticide treatments for head lice

Answer 8

Dimeticone (4% lotion, 92% spray, >95% lotion) - Brand names such as Hedrin and Lyclear contain dimeticone.
Isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone solution
isopropyl myristrate and isopropyl alcohol aerosol

Question 9

what are the drug chemical insecticide treatments for head lice

Answer 9

Malathion aqueous liquid
Permethrin. Treatments that include permethrin often have very short contact times and they are considered inadequate for the product to be effective. In addition, there is evidence of resistance within the UK, which is why permethrin is not recommended for the treatment of head lice.

Question 10

what natural product for head lice?

Answer 10

A very good example of a natural product is tea tree oil. shampoo

Question 11

questions to ask?

Answer 11

history of head lice

Question 12

what is the first line of treatment when?

pregnancy
6months to 2 years
asthma 
breast feeding
ezcema

Answer 12

wet combing

or dimeticone

Question 13

when to treat

Answer 13

only when we find live lice on there hair

Question 14

_____________should be treated on the same day

Answer 14

all infected individuals should be treated on the same day

Question 15

how many treatment sessions?

Answer 15

more than 1 until proper elimination

Question 16

For a patient the diagnosis of headlice can have a number of further implications:?

Answer 16

If the patient is consistently scratching they are at increased risk of secondary bacterial infections,
The consistent irritation can result in loss of sleep and concentration and this may affect the child’s progression in education. Have you ever heard of the term ‘nitwit’ this is where it originated, as children with head lice often feel behind in their studies.
Obviously the appearance of eggs attached to the hair, and live lice in severe cases, can lead to the child experiencing bullying.

Question 17

where is head lice most common

Answer 17

small children

Question 18

how can head lice spread?

Answer 18

head to head contact

from personal belongings eg brush

Question 19

how long can head lice survive for?

Answer 19

24 - 48 hours

Question 20

what is the treatment for itching

Answer 20

Creams for itching
Creams for itching should be applied after the application of the insecticide.
Crotamiton lotion or cream 2 – 3 times a day.
Topical hydrocortisone 1% cream can be used IF diagnosis is certain

Sedating antihistamine
An example includes chlorphenamine or hydroxyzine, these should be prescribed at night if the itch is interfering with sleep.

Question 21

_____________ may indicate treatment failure.

Answer 21

Itching lasting after a week after treatment may indicate treatment failure.

Question 22

are scabies mites contagious?

Answer 22

yes

Question 23

who should be treated?

Answer 23

anybody that may have had skin contact during infection.

Question 24

why should the patient be careful of itching

Answer 24

secondary bacterial infection, if skin is cracked

Question 25

what type of formulation should be considered?

Answer 25

topical