EXTERNAL PARASITE

By NOR HAYATI HAMZAH FACULTY OF NURSING AUCMS

NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

Head lice are parasitic insects found most commonly behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck. The medical term for head lice infestation is Pediculus humanus capitis.

NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

A head lice infestation can be psychologically disturbing, but head lice are not a health hazard and are not responsible for the spread of any disease.

NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

The head-louse life cycle (egg to adult) requires about 21-27 days on the human host.

Each adult female deposits anywhere from 50150 eggs (nits) during her lifetime.
Nits hatch in 5-9 days. Nymphs (immatures) molt three times before becoming sexually mature adults. Young and adult head lice feed on blood several times a day. The adult stage can live approximately one month (30-40 days).
NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

Body lice are spread in several ways.

sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with an infested person.

lying on furniture that has recently been in contact with an infested person is another method of transmission.

Body lice can be transmitted quickly because they are so active.

NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

Symptoms of Head Lice:

Scalp itching Sensation of something moving in the hair Red or pustular sores on the scalp caused by scratching Swollen lymph nodes in the front and back of the neck

NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

Diagnosis of Head Lice

A head lice infestation is diagnosed by direct visualization of the lice in any portion of the life cycle. Usually there are many more nits than adults or nymphs. Finding nits within a quarter inch from the scalp confirms an infestation that needs to be treated. Nits can be distinguished from dandruff flakes as they are extremely adherent to the hair shaft, whereas dandruff can be easily moved on along the hair shaft.
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Itchy scalp infection Insecticide reaction and overuse

NHSP 1103 PARASITOLOGY/intake apr11

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if a case of head lice is identified, all household members should be checked for head lice. Only those with live lice or eggs within 1 cm of the scalp should be treated. It is also recommended that all hair care items and bedding belonging to the infested person be cleaned.
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Oral Agents Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim) is an oral antibiotic, given as a 10-day course, which has been shown to be effective at treating resistant infestations of head lice.

Ivermectin (Stromectol) is an antiparasitic drug given as a single dose that has also been shown to effectively treat resistant head lice infestations. However, neither of these drugs is FDA approved for use as a pediculicide.
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Malathion Malathion is a prescription lotion that is applied to the hair, left to air dry, then washed off after 8-12 hours.

Because it has a high alcohol content, it is highly flammable and can cause difficulty breathing if it is ingested. For these reasons, it should only be used for resistant cases of head lice.

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Permethrin is the preferred first-line treatment for head lice.

Permethrin 1% (Nix) is available over the counter, and permethrin 5% (Elimite) is available by prescription. Permethrin is a cream rinse that is designed to leave a residue after rinsing that kills emerging nymphs, so reapplication is usually not needed.
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Prevention

Never share hair brushes, combs, hair pieces, hats, bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has head lice. If your child has lice, be sure to check policies at schools, day-care centers, preschools, and nurseries. Many do not allow infected children to be at school until the lice have been completely treated.
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Frequent cleaning of carpets and all other surfaces in child-care centers prevents spread of all types of infections, including head lice.

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