Pediculosis Capitis
Itching is the most common manifestation of Pediculosis Capitis or head lice, though many children are asymptomatic.
Adult lice or eggs (nits) are found in the hair, behind the ears and near the nape of the neck. Because of constant scratching, there is the presence of excoriations and crusting caused by secondary bacterial infection and this could result to regional lymphadenopathy (inflammation of the involved lymph nodes).
The head lice deposit their eggs on a hair shaft 3 to 4 mm from the scalp. Because the hair grows at a rate of approximately 1 cm per month, the duration of infestation can be estimated by the distance of the nit from the scalp.
The Pediculus humanus capitis is the head louse and both the nymphs and adult lice feed on human blood.
Transmission of head lice occurs by direct contact with hair of infested people and less commonly by contact of personal belongings such as combs, hair brush and hats. Head lice can survive only 1-2 days away from the scalp and their eggs cannot hatch at a lower ambient temperature than that close to the scalp. The incubation period from the laying of eggs to the hatching of the first nymph is 6 to 10 days.
There are different available medications in the market that can be given after thorough examination of the infested child. Although fomites do not have a major role in the transmission, it is appropriate to disinfest headgears, pillow cases and towels by washing them in hot water. Combs and hair brushes can be washed with a pediculicide shampoo or be soaked in hot water. High temperatures exceeding 53.5 degrees centigrade for 5 minutes are lethal to both lice and eggs.