Head Lice: A Common Infestation Among Children
Lice and Fleas: Recognizing Symptoms, Understanding Causes, and Exploring Treatment Options
Head lice are parasitic insects that primarily infest humans, particularly school-aged children. Most cases of head lice occur annually in the U.S. in children aged 3-11 years old. These tiny creatures do not transmit disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms of head lice may include itchiness on the scalp, a sensation of something moving in the hair, or a tickling sensation. However, head lice may not cause any symptoms in some cases, especially in light or first-time infestations.
Head lice transmit between people through close personal contact, sharing personal items, or contact with other objects that may harbour lice. They move from host to host by crawling, not jumping.
Treatment for head lice involves applying topical medications to a person's hair and scalp, such as lice shampoo, which can paralyze or suffocate lice. Current treatments do not reliably destroy lice eggs, so multiple treatment applications are typically required.
Preventing head lice can be achieved by regularly cleaning the house, discouraging direct head-to-head contact, not sharing personal items, machine washing and drying clothes and linens used by a person with head lice, and avoiding contact with beds, couches, or other surfaces a person with head lice has recently used.
Fleas: A Common Problem for Pets, but Not for Humans
Fleas are wingless parasitic insects that consume the blood of host animals, including humans. However, they are more commonly found on domestic pets like dogs and cats in the U.S. and other high-income countries.
Fleas can transmit conditions such as bubonic plague, typhus, protozoan infestations, rickettsial disease, and helminth infestations. However, humans can get fleas and can contract them from pets, but lice do not transmit disease to humans.
Symptoms of flea bites in humans may include itching in the area where the flea bites into the skin and may also cause inflammation and the appearance of a rash. A doctor may recommend oral antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine for flea bite itchiness, and corticosteroids for severe swelling. Topical medications for flea bites can include antihistamines, calamine, pramoxine, corticosteroids, and cold compresses.
Preventing fleas at home can be achieved by keeping the grass cut, avoiding overwatering the garden, raking up leaves, washing pets regularly, vacuuming or sweeping the house, cleaning bedding regularly, avoiding contact with wild animals, and using insect repellents.
In conclusion, while head lice and fleas can be a nuisance, understanding their behaviour, symptoms, and prevention methods can help keep you and your family safe. If you suspect an infestation, it is important to seek medical advice and take appropriate action to treat and prevent the spread of these parasites.
