Pediculosis (Lice),Diagnosis,

Head lice (pediculosis capitis) is an infestation of the human head louse, which results in intense itching on the scalp. The itching is the result of a reaction to the bite on the scalp. Head lice is passed through direct (head-to-head) contact and also by touching contaminated objects and then touching one's head. Head lice is highly contagious, and outbreaks are often seen in nurseries and day-care centers.

The human head louse is a tiny (about 2–4 mm long) insect that feeds on human blood. The female lays eggs (nits) on the hair shaft close to the scalp; they are glued to the hair but do not touch the body. The adult louse is often not visible, but the nits can be seen with the naked eye. When the nits hatch about 8–10 days later, they also begin to feed. Lice is highly contagious because the can stay alive for a long period of time off of the body (such as on hairbrushes, furniture, or linens), which increases the time that it can be transferred to another child.


Diagnosis

To diagnose infestation, the entire scalp should be combed thoroughly with a louse comb and the teeth of the comb should be examined for the presence of living lice after each time the comb passes through the hair. The use of a louse comb is the most effective way to detect living lice.


The most characteristic symptom of infestation is pruritus (itching) on the head which normally intensifies 3 to 4 weeks after the initial infestation. The bite reaction is very mild and it can be rarely seen between the hairs. Excessive scratching of the infested areas can cause sores, which may become infected.


Treatment

The number of diagnosed cases of human louse infestations (or pediculosis) has increased worldwide since the mid-1960s, reaching hundreds of millions annually. There is no product or method which assures 100% destruction of the eggs and hatched lice after a single treatment. However, there are a number of treatment modalities that can be employed with varying degrees of success. These methods include chemical treatments, natural products, combs, shaving, hot air, and silicone-based lotions. The pharmacological treatment of pediculosis include the use of crotamiton applied twice at 24 hour interval and washed off day after that.