Treatment of human lice

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Treatment of Human Lice

Lice infestations in humans are caused by three main types of lice: head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis). These ectoparasites are highly specialized and have evolved to inhabit specific parts of the human body. Effective treatment requires an understanding of the life cycle of lice, the differences between the types of lice, and the various treatment options available.

Types of Human Lice[edit | edit source]

  • Head Lice: These lice are found on the scalp, neck, and behind the ears. They feed on human blood several times a day and lay their eggs (nits) on hair shafts.
  • Body Lice: These lice live in clothing and only move to the skin to feed. They are associated with unwashed clothing and poor hygiene. Body lice can spread diseases like typhus.
  • Pubic Lice: Also known as "crabs," these lice inhabit the coarse hair of the pubic region, but can also be found in armpit hair and eyebrows.

Treatment Options[edit | edit source]

Treatment of lice infestations focuses on killing the lice and their eggs, and may involve a combination of mechanical removal and chemical treatments.

Mechanical Removal[edit | edit source]

  • Combing: A fine-toothed comb, often called a nit comb, is used to remove lice and nits from the hair. This method is most effective for head lice and requires patience and diligence.
  • Shaving: Removing hair from the affected area can effectively eliminate lice and nits. This method is more commonly used for pubic lice.

Chemical Treatments[edit | edit source]

  • Pediculicides: Over-the-counter and prescription medications that kill lice. Examples include permethrin, pyrethrin, and malathion. It's important to follow the application instructions carefully and to check for any potential allergic reactions.
  • Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications like ivermectin may be prescribed, especially if topical treatments are ineffective.

Environmental Control[edit | edit source]

  • Washing: Clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infested person should be washed in hot water and dried on a high heat setting to kill any lice or nits.
  • Sealing: Items that cannot be washed (e.g., stuffed animals) should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks to ensure any lice or nits are dead.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventing lice infestations involves regular hygiene practices, avoiding sharing personal items like hats and combs, and regular checks for lice, especially in children.

Resistance[edit | edit source]

Some lice populations have developed resistance to common pediculicides. In such cases, alternative treatments or combinations of treatments may be necessary.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

The treatment of human lice requires a comprehensive approach that includes mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and environmental control measures. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the spread of lice to others.

Resources[edit source]

Latest articles - Treatment of human lice

PubMed
Clinical trials
UpToDate

AI tools[edit source]

Generative AI tools and links to learn more on Treatment of human lice: ChatGPT - Bing Chat - Google Gemini. (caution advised).


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD