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Body Lice/Hair Lice

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  3. Body Lice/Hair Lice

Overview of Body Lice/Hair Lice

Body lice and hair lice are parasitic insects that live on human hosts and feed on their blood.

Body lice are typically present in clothing and bedding and only move onto the human body to feed. They are usually associated with poor hygiene and can cause severe itching and rashes and transmit diseases such as typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever.

Hair lice, on the other hand, are commonly found on the scalp, where they attach their eggs (nits) to the base of hair shafts. They spread through close contact with an infested person, sharing personal items such as combs or hats, and are particularly common in young children. Symptoms of a hair lice infestation include itching, redness, and small bumps on the scalp.

Prevalence of Body Lice/Hair Lice

Globally, human pediculous is a prevalent problem, with an estimated 19% incidence of head lice in school children and 2% of pubic lice in adults. 

Signs and Symptoms of Body Lice/Hair Lice

The symptoms of body lice and hair lice can be similar, but there are some differences.

Symptoms of body lice may include:

  • Intense itching, especially in the areas where the lice are present
  • Small red bumps or sores on the skin due to scratching or the bites of the lice
  • Darkening or discoloration of the skin, especially in areas where the lice have been feeding for a long time
  • Visible lice or eggs on clothing, especially in seams or folds, visible to the naked eye
  • Feeling unwell, with symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches, caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by the lice

Symptoms of hair lice may include:

  • Intense itching on the scalp or neck, caused by the lice feeding on the blood from the scalp
  • Visible lice or eggs on the hair, visible to the naked eye
  • Small red bumps or sores on the scalp or neck caused by scratching or the bites of the lice
  • Feeling irritable or moody, which can be caused by the stress and discomfort of the infestation

If you suspect you have body lice or hair lice, seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible.

Types of Body Lice/Hair Lice

There are only one species of body lice, which is Pediculus humanus corporis, while there are three types of hair lice, which are:

  1. Pediculus humanus capitis: It is the most common type of hair lice, also known as head lice. They are typically found on the scalp, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck.
  2. Pediculus humanus pubis: This type of lice is also known as pubic lice or crabs. They are present in the pubic area and on other coarse body hair, such as underarm hair, chest hair, and eyebrows.
  3. Pediculus humanus corporis: Although the body lice are not categorized into different types, they are found on clothing and bedding and only move onto the human body to feed.

It's important to note that while these different types of lice have different preferred habitats, they are all closely related and can spread from one area of the body to another or from person to person through close contact.

Causes of Body Lice/Hair Lice

Both types of lice can cause itching and discomfort and spread through close contact with an infected person or sharing contaminated clothing or bedding.

Here are the common causes of hair lice and body lice:

  • Direct contact: Hair lice and body lice spread through direct contact with an infected person. It can occur through close personal contacts, such as hugging, sharing combs, brushes, hats, or other personal items.
  • Indirect contact: Lice can also be spread indirectly through shared items like clothing, towels, and bedding that have come in contact with an infected person.
  • Poor hygiene: Poor personal hygiene can also contribute to the spread of lice. People who do not regularly bathe or wash their hair and clothing are more likely to develop lice infestations.
  • Overcrowding: Living in crowded conditions can also increase the risk of lice infestations, as close quarters make it easier for lice to spread from person to person.
  • Traveling: People who travel to areas with poor sanitation or come in contact with others having lice are more likely to develop lice infestations.
  • Shared spaces: Lice can also spread in shared spaces such as schools, daycare centers, and nursing homes. Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to lice infestations in these settings.
  • Resistance to treatment: Overuse or misuse of lice treatment products can lead to the development of treatment-resistant lice. It can make it hard to get rid of lice infestations.

It's important to note that anyone can get lice, regardless of age, gender, or personal hygiene habits. However, some steps can prevent lice spread, such as practicing good personal hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and regularly washing and changing bedding and clothing.

Happniness

Risk Factors of Body Lice/Hair Lice

The risk factors for infestation with body lice or hair lice include:

  • Poor personal hygiene: Body lice and hair lice infestations are more common in people who do not bathe or wash their hair regularly.
  • Crowded living conditions: Body lice infestations are more common in people who live in crowded, unsanitary conditions, such as in homeless shelters or refugee camps.
  • Sharing personal items: Body lice and hair lice can spread through sharing personal items, such as clothing, bedding, and towels, with an infected person.
  • Close personal contact: Hair lice can spread through close personal contacts, such as head-to-head contact during play, sports, or sleepovers.
  • Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or cancer, may be more susceptible to lice infestations.
  • Age: Children are more susceptible to hair lice infestations than adults, as they often have more close personal contact with other children.

It's important to note that having lice does not indicate poor personal hygiene. Anyone can get lice regardless of their socioeconomic status or personal habits. 

Complications

Body lice and hair lice infestations can cause a variety of complications, including:

  • Skin irritation: Lice bites can cause itching and irritation, leading to scratching and potentially resulting in skin infections.
  • Bacterial infections: Scratching can also introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to diseases such as impetigo and cellulitis.
  • Anemia: Body lice can cause anemia in severe cases, as they feed on the host's blood and can lead to significant blood loss.
  • Social stigma: Lice infestations can lead to social stigma as they are often associated with poor personal hygiene or unclean living conditions.
  • Psychological distress: Lice infestations can cause psychological distress, particularly in children, who may feel embarrassed, anxious, or isolated due to the infestation.

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Prevention

To prevent body lice or hair lice infestations, you can take the following measures:

  • Practice good personal hygiene: Bathe or shower regularly, and wash your hair with a lice-preventive shampoo. Keep your body and hair clean to reduce the risk of lice infestations.
  • Avoid sharing personal items: Avoid sharing personal items, such as clothing, hats, combs, and brushes, with others. If you do need to share items, make sure to wash or disinfect them thoroughly first.
  • Avoid close personal contact: Avoid close personal contact with others who have lice, such as through head-to-head contact during play or sports.
  • Launder clothes and bedding regularly: Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any lice or eggs that may be present.
  • Vacuum carpets and furniture: Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces regularly remove any lice or eggs that may be present.
  • Treat lice infestations promptly: If you or someone in your household has lice, seek treatment immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading to others.
  • Keep your living environment clean: Keep your living environment clean and free of clutter, as lice can hide in clothing or other items. Regular cleaning and decluttering can help prevent lice infestations.

By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting body lice or hair lice infestations.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosing body lice or hair lice infestations typically involves a physical examination of the affected areas, such as the scalp or clothing. Your doctor or healthcare provider may look for the following signs of lice infestation:

  • Presence of live lice: Your doctor may use a fine-toothed comb to check for live lice on your scalp or hair, or examine clothing or bedding for live body lice.
  • Nits or eggs: Your doctor may look for nits (lice eggs) on your hair shafts, clothing, or bedding. Nits are tiny, oval-shaped, and often attached to the hair shaft or clothing fibers.
  • Skin irritation: Your doctor may look for signs of skin irritation or scratching caused by lice bites.

If lice or nits are present, your doctor may recommend treatment with medicated shampoos or lotions and proper hygiene and cleaning measures to eliminate the lice and their eggs. In some cases, a second treatment may be necessary to ensure all lice and eggs get eliminated.

Treatment of Body Lice/Hair Lice | When to Consult a Doctor

Treatment for body lice or hair lice infestations typically involves using medicated shampoos or lotions to kill the lice and their eggs, along with proper hygiene and cleaning measures to eliminate any remaining lice or eggs. Here are the general steps to treating lice infestations:

  • Use a medicated shampoo or lotion: Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription shampoos or lotions that contain insecticides, such as permethrin or pyrethrin. Follow the instructions carefully for application and timing.
  • Comb out lice and nits: Use a fine-toothed comb to carefully comb any remaining lice and nits from the hair or clothing. You can do this while the hair or clothing is wet and wash it regularly until the infestation is gone.
  • Wash clothing and bedding: Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any remaining lice or eggs. You can also dry-clean items that can't be washed.
  • Vacuum carpets and furniture: Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces to remove any lice or eggs that may be present.
  • Repeat treatment if necessary: In some cases, a second treatment may be necessary to ensure all lice and eggs are eliminated. Follow your doctor's instructions for timing and application.

It's important to note that over-the-counter or prescription treatments may have potential side effects or may not be effective in all cases. If you have concerns about the use of insecticides or the effectiveness of treatment, consult a well-known dermatologist. 

 

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