Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis

Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis is a skin inflammation caused by tiny parasites which live in the hair and scalp. Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis survive by biting the scalp and sucking up blood causing red marks to appear on the childs scalp and neck in some cases.

The Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis lay their eggs (Nits) in the hair by attaching them to the thick hair shafts at the base of the scalp. The eggs (Nits) are visible as small white specks close to the scalp.

The spreading of Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis is by direct contact (head to head) with an infested person, their grooming equipment or clothing.

Commonly these Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis are found with pre-school children where head to head contact is constant, Siblings then spread it further afield causing infestations of Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis at schools, playgroups and other busy child establishments.

Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis are mainly attracted to clean hair although any head coming into contact with them is a suitable carrier.

Signs and Symptoms

• Intense itching and scratching of the scalp
• Inflammation of the scalp
• Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis and eggs living in the scalp hair
• In rare cases there may be enlarged lymph glands in the neck

Incubation Period

There is no incubation period with Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis.

Treatment

Generally with Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis treatment is a medicated shampoo or cream that is massaged into the scalp. This treatment must be repeated after at least seven days after the Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis disappear as they can return from the unhatched eggs (Nits).

Make sure that you inform the childs school or pre-school etc so that other families can also obtain necessary treatment of Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis.

It is advisable to treat the whole immediate family members when Head Lice (Pediculus Humanus Capitis) are detected as you may have them too without knowing.

If your child suffers from Eczema or Asthma then you must consult with your childs Gp or Pharmacist before you begin treatment of Head Lice (Pediculus Humanus Capitis).

Life Cycle

Below is the life cycle of Head Lice Pediculus Humanus Capitis.