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Body, Head, and Information about Pubic Lice
LICE are very small parasites that can infest the skin, scalp, and pubic areas. The infestation results in a red, itchy rash that is most often confined to the head or pubic area. Body, head, and pubic lice are small parasites, approximately the size of a pinhead, that can infest the hair and skin in several areas on the body. They have a life span of 1 month and reproduce rapidly. HEAD LICE are quite common in school children where transmission occurs through close contact. In this case, there is itching of the scalp and neck with tiny gray-white lice visible on the scalp. The eggs (nits) are tiny, hard, white, and adherent firmly to the hair shafts. The infestation is commonly treated with an insecticide shampoo (Kwell) available only by prescription from your doctor (this medication is more effective than the nonprescription type). The hair should be washed and damp dried. The shampoo is then applied and allowed to remain on the hair for 4-5 minutes. After rinsing, a fine comb is used to help remove the dead nits. A single treatment will usually kill all of the lice and eggs on the scalp. PUBIC LICE, occasionally referred to as "crabs", may be treated in the same manner outlined above. They are contracted through sexual contact or close contact with infected clothing, bedding, or anything else that is infected with lice (or their eggs). Treatment is with a prescription, insecticidal shampoo or lotion (Kwell) as above. In some cases, a second treatment may be necessary. All bedding, clothing, or other personal articles (combs and brushes) require hot water washing or should be discarded. Two week isolation of all potentially infected materials (mattresses) is recommended. In that time, any lice that hatch will die within 24 hours without a human on whom to attach themselves. See your doctor for any problems.
Hope this article will provide you information about body, head, and pubic lice.
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