Head lice: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition of head lice

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the human scalp and suck blood to survive. When the scalp is infested with head lice, this condition is known as pediculosis capitis.

This scalp disease does not indicate that you don't keep your hair clean or live in a dirty environment. This condition is caused by the lice on the scalp spreading directly from the hair of another person.

Normally, adult fleas are usually about 3 millimeters in size, or the size of a sesame seed. If this is allowed, the lice will lay eggs and reproduce and the egg size is the size of a small dandruff.

Head lice problems can cause itching on the scalp or a tingling sensation when lice travel on the area. The good news is, this scalp problem is harmless and doesn't spread any diseases or viruses.

How to deal with head lice can be done easily. Even so, you need extra time and effort. That is why, immediately do medication to deal with an itchy scalp caused by the lice.

How common are these head lice?

Head lice are a common condition and are more common in children. However, this problem can happen to anyone, regardless of age and gender.

Lice growth actually tends to occur in women than men. This is probably because most women often have physical contact with their hair and often borrow hygiene and beauty tools, such as combs.

Signs and symptoms of head lice

The signs and symptoms of head lice are actually quite easy to recognize. However, the fast movement of lice makes it difficult for you to tell if there are lice on the scalp or not.

Here are some of the symptoms that may appear when lice are lodged on your scalp.

Head itching (pruritus)

One of the most common symptoms of head lice is an itchy scalp. Itchy scalp is caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites, namely lice.

Even so, the person who catches head lice for the first time may not feel the itch immediately. Itching may appear 4 - 6 weeks after the tick has landed. This itching sensation can also spread from the scalp, neck, to the ears.

Lice are visible on the scalp

Apart from itching, you can also see lice on the scalp. However, due to its fast movement and small size, you may find it difficult to find.

Lice eggs on the hair shaft

If you find yellow or brown flakes on the hair shaft, it is likely nits. Lice lay their eggs on the hair shaft close to the scalp to keep warm when they hatch.

Even though it looks like dandruff, you can't get rid of it by wiping it or combing it. In some cases, having lice eggs does not mean you are actively infected.

The presence of a small red lump

Some people may experience minor skin irritation from scratching the itchy scalp, while others may experience a rash. Remember that scratching your skin too often can lead to bacterial infections.

If left untreated, you are at risk of developing swollen lymph nodes in the back or front of the neck. Immediately consult a doctor if you find a lump that is red, feels soft, and is oozing discharge.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor for head lice?

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, or have any questions, consult a doctor even if you are not sure whether there are lice or not.

Some conditions that are often mistaken for head lice include:

• empty or dead lice eggs originating from the residual previous infection,
• dandruff,
• residue from hair care, such as shampoo,
• dead hair tissue (hair cast),
• dust and dirt, as well
• another type of insect that perches on your hair.

Each person's body may show a variety of signs and symptoms. To get the right treatment and in accordance with your health condition, make sure you check with a dermatologist.

Causes and risk factors for head lice

Lice are small, wingless insects that are the same size as a sesame seed. In order to survive, the lice will suck blood from the scalp.

Female lice will produce a sticky liquid so that the eggs stick to the hair shaft. The reason is, this area is an environment with the ideal temperature for hatching eggs.

Nits will hatch after 8 - 9 days and take about 9 - 12 days to mature. Adult fleas will survive 3-4 weeks.

The most common mode of transmission of the lice is head-to-head contact. Fleas will crawl because these insects cannot fly or jump.

This tiny parasite has claws, so the lice can crawl and cling to hair. Head lice are also spread by direct contact which allows them to cross from one person's hair to another's hair.

Flea-causing items

That's why the reason lice land on your head is the sharing of flea-infested objects, such as:

• hair accessories, brushes, combs, and hair ties,
• towel,
• home furnishings, such as cushions, sofas, or carpets, as well
• clothing worn on the head or near the head, such as hats, scarves, and coats.

Even so, head lice with legs that have been adapted to the environment of your hair will find it difficult to stick to smooth surfaces. However, it is very easy to catch fleas, so you need to be careful.

What are the risk factors for getting head lice?

Head lice are a condition that can be experienced by anyone, regardless of age and gender. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing the following conditions.

• Age, is more often experienced by children and adolescents because they often have physical contact.
• Women because they often lend hair accessories, such as combs.
• Staying in someone else's house or in a place other than your own.
• Physical contact by touching the head, such as hugging.
• Sharing personal items, such as towels, combs, to cell phones.

Keep in mind that having any or all of the risk factors does not mean you have lice on your scalp. There is a chance that you can get it even if you don't have any of the risk factors.

Diagnosis of head lice

One of the methods used to diagnose head lice transmission is to identify lice on the scalp.

The doctor will usually examine the hair with a comb that has been soaked in hair conditioner. The type of comb used also has tight teeth.

The hair will be combed slowly and carefully, from the roots to the ends. If no live lice are found, the doctor may repeat the procedure at the next appointment.

Apart from that, the doctor also identifies eggs in the hair shaft. The search for nits is assisted by a special light called Wood's light. This light can appear red when highlighted on nits.

Medication and treatment of head lice

Basically, there are two ways to treat head lice, namely using drugs and removing them by hand.

Medication to treat head lice

Once diagnosed, the doctor will usually recommend drugs that are easily available at the pharmacy. This drug serves to kill the eggs and lice.

Head lice medications come in many forms, from medicinal shampoos, creams, and lotions. However, sometimes some drugs cannot kill the fresh eggs, so the doctor will ask you to undergo further treatment.

Some experts suggest waiting 7 days after the first treatment before continuing the next appointment. However, this can be discussed directly with your doctor to get treatment that suits your condition.

Here are some types of flea medications recommended by doctors.

• Pyrethrin (chrysanthemum extract)
• Benzyl alcohol 5%
• Oral and topical ivermectin (lotion)
• Spinosad 0.9%
• Malathion 0.5%
• Crotamiton 0.5%
• Lindane 1%

Before using these medicines, you can wash them with shampoo without conditioner. In addition, rinsing your hair with vinegar will also help loosen the sticky liquid that makes the eggs stick to the hair shaft.

Get rid of lice with your own hands

In some cases, flea medication cannot completely eliminate the tiny insects and their eggs. Therefore, dealing with head lice by getting rid of them with your own hands is the right choice.

This method is usually quite safe, especially for children under two months of age who should not use flea medication.

You can start by using a tight-toothed comb on damp hair and conditioner every 3-4 days for 3 weeks.

This is to stop the movement of the lice when the hair is wet. Conditioner will also make it easier for you to comb your hair. If it doesn't work and you want to try this method, talk to a dermatologist first.

Home remedies

To support your doctor's treatment, there are various remedies that you can try at home to get rid of lice as follows.

Wash clothes and household items thoroughly

If someone has fleas and is in the same room as you, immediately wash any clothes, blankets, and sheets that person has touched. This is so that the fleas do not spread to other people in the house.

Try washing in 55 ° C water. After that, put it in the dryer for 20 minutes.

Soak hair utensils in alcohol

Hairbrushes, combs, hairpins, and other hair accessories are also prone to become lice nests.

To fix this, soak the equipment in an alcohol solution. Then, put it in a plastic bag and place it inside freezer for 2 days.

If possible, replace all hair accessories, such as combs and hair ties, with new ones.

Avoid sharing personal equipment

In some situations, sometimes you have to share personal items with other people, such as combs, hats, or towels. So, to prevent the transmission of head lice, you should stop this habit.

You are also advised not to make direct contact with other people so that lice do not settle on the scalp.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.