Lice are little insects that inhabit on humans and feed on blood. An infestation occurs when a big number of lice inhabit and multiply on a person.
Lice are little insects that inhabit on humans and feed on blood. An infestation occurs when a big number of lice inhabit and multiply on a person.
Most common symptom: Itching due to an allergic reaction to lice saliva. Itching depends on:
For first time cases: may take several weeks or months for itching to start or to be noticed.
Subsequent exposures: it may take just 2 days before itching starts due to the faster response time of the immune system to a condition it is already familiar with.
Varying symptoms of lice infestation depend on the type of lice involved:
Head lice
Pubic lice
Body lice
DIAGNOSIS
RECOMMENDED TREATMENT/MEDICATIONS
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for head or pubic lice:
Prescription medicines for head lice:
Antihistamines (both prescription and nonprescription) for relief of itching. It may cause drowsiness; check with physician first before use.
Antibiotics for presence of severe skin infection.
For body lice: Wash clothing and bedding in hot water [54.5°C or higher] in a washing machine to kill lice and eggs.
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Zoster, widely known as shingles, causes an uncomfortable skin rash. It's [...]
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Youth violence is a worldwide public health issue. It refers to [...]
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Yersiniosis is a kind of infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia [...]