Causes and risk factors
The cause is infestation of the scalp region with head louse. Unhygienic condition of the scalp and hair favors head lice. It is highly contagious and hence close contact or use of brush or hats of the infected person spreads the infection.
Clinical presentation
A person suffering from head louse complaints of itching of the scalp. It is frequent and severe itching. There is tickling feeling on the scalp. These complaints are aggravated at night as the parasite is more active during night; hence it also results in disturbed sleep and irritability. Frequent itching of scalp also poses and embarrassing situation at public. Head louse does not pose any life threatening complication. It can lead to secondary infection, spread of head louse to other members of the family
Investigations
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and examination of the scalp. On inspecting the scalp with naked eyes the parasite or its eggs can be seen in between the hair.
Treatment
The treatment consists of application of medicated shampoos and lotions. Those containing 1% permetherin is recommended. Application of tea tree oil has also found to be effective. Combs and hair brushes should be deloused with boiling for 10 min in water
The hair should be combed with the help of nit combs. The lice can be crushed in between the teeth of these combs. Regular washing of hair and pat them dry, avoid sharing of personal things like combs, hats, towels are certain preventive measures which needs to be adopted.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
