Pediculosis Capitis: Questions And Answers
A lot of misconceptions surround head lice, and there are important head lice facts that you should know about pediculosis capitis in order to react properly and efficiently to an infestation. It is important to really understand the nature of these parasites and how they affect people. Here are some very common questions and answers that will help you not to be confused anymore.
The head louse, also called Pediculus humanus capitis, is responsible for human pediculosis of the scalp. It is a common disease in most developed countries, and especially among communities of children. The louse is a small sucking insect; he is a parasite, especially of the hair in humans or other mammals. It needs warmth, moisture and blood to live. Head lice do not carry disease. They may however cause impetigo which responds to damage due to scratching.
Can head lice fly or jump: no, this 2 to 3 mm long wingless insect cannot jump nor fly. Can the louse reproduce: an adult louse lays daily from 4 to 10 eggs called nits. The eggs hatch within 7 days after giving birth to a new louse called nymph. After 10 days, the nymphs reach the adult stage and begin to reproduce. Does the louse prefer some heads to others? The louse has no preference for hair type, color or size. It clings with its claws, making it difficult to remove. It lives exclusively on the hair of humans by feeding on blood, and its bite can cause irritation and itching.
How can we catch head lice: transmission is by simple contact between children's hair, or sometimes through hats, combs or brushes, but contamination by objects is a myth much more than a fact, as it is quite rare. Few observations show that the sharing of such objects facilitates the transmission, but you will still want to remain cautious.
Who catches lice: it targets kids from 5 to 11 years essentially, and especially girls, who tend to have closer contacts between them than boys. But adults in contact with an infested person can also catch lice. Then, catching head lice doesn't depend on your personal hygiene. They are resistant to water and soap and you can get lice even if you take a shower and make a shampoo daily.
Can we find head lice on other parts of the body: no, the louse appears only on the head and possibly eyebrows, mustache or beard! How can we tell the difference between nits and dandruff: dandruff is white and falls spontaneously from the head, whereas nits are darker when they are alive and whitish when empty. They stick strongly to the hair thanks to a cement produced when the egg is laid.
How long can lice live without human blood: at room temperature and without blood, an adult louse cannot survive more than 48 hours.
Once you know for sure that you or your kid has head lice, it is up to you to remove any lice or nits that are found in the hair. Lice need to be taken seriously because if you do not treat your children and your home thoroughly, it will turn into an infestation rather than just a few nits on someone's hair.
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