Transcript HEAD LICE
PEDICULOSIS HEAD LICE Margaret Jahn, MS, MPH Freehold Health Dept. GOALS • Learn about head lice – WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE & HOW • • • • Biology Treatment Diagnosis Prevention & control HEAD LICE • • • • • • Infestation of Pediculus capitis Parasitic insect Hair, eyebrows & eyelashes Excessive itching & scratching Universal susceptibility Unrelated to hygiene HEAD LICE • • • • • • • VERY common Affects children 3-11yrs Est. 6-12 million infestations annually Spread from head-to-head contact Feed on blood from scalp DO NOT SPREAD DISEASE! Nuisance! BIOLOGY 101 • Life cycle – 3 stages – Egg, nymph and adult EGGS • • • • • • Called “Nits” Laid by adult female Cemented to base of hair (6 mm from scalp) Hard to see Resemble dandruff ~ 1 week to hatch EGGS NYMPHS • • • • Hatch from eggs Look like adult louse Mature after 3 molts ~ 1 week ADULTS • • • • • • • Size of sesame seed 6 legs with claws Females larger Lay up to 8 nits per day 30 day life span 2-3 meals of blood/day Die 1-2 days off scalp ADULTS RISK FACTORS • Not related to cleanliness!! • Common transmission head-to-head – Home – School – Elsewhere (camp, sports, playground etc.) RISK FACTORS • Uncommon transmission – Sharing clothing, hair ribbons – Using infested combs, brushes, towels – Lying on a bed, couch etc. recently in contact with infested person DIAGNOSIS • Misdiagnosis – VERY common • Look for live insects • Nits not always reliable – Easily confused with dandruff, hair spray etc. • Nits >1/4 inch from scalp – old TREATMENT • • • • ONLY FOR ACTIVE INFESTATION! Check household members & contacts Treat all at same time Supplemental measures TREATMENT • • • • • • Over-the-counter medication FDA approved Pyrethrins or permethrins READ LABEL Do not re-wash hair for 1-2 days Check 8-12 hrs after tx – Slower moving, comb dead – No dead – call healthcare provider SUPPLEMENTAL • Bedding, towels & clothing – With in 2 day period – Launder in hot water & dry – Place in plastic bag for 2 weeks • Vacuum furniture and floors of infested hair CDC RECOMENDATIONS • Students remain in school if Dx during day • Children return to school after treatment • Nits still present? – – – – O.K. as long as no crawling/ live insects Burdensome absenteeism Nits not easily transferred Misdiagnosis common if not by health provider Freehold Township School Policy REMEMBER! WE ARE HERE TO HELP Freehold Health Department 732-294-2060 QUESTIONS