PEDICULUS HUMANUS CAPITIS

Overview and Facts

Pediculus humanus capitis are ectoparasites, meaning they reside outside the body or inside the skin. In America, around 6 to 12 million children experience Pediculus humanus capitis aged 3 to 11 per year.  The cost of treating lice infestations significantly strains the health care system. The yearly direct and indirect costs of infestations, including treatment, missed payments, and school-system expenditures, are estimated to exceed $1 billion, despite being difficult to calculate.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Pediculus humanus capitis can cause severe scalp itching; however, it often shows no signs. Indicators of a head lice infection that may not be as prominent include:

  • A Tickling Sensation Caused By Hair Movement,
  • Nits (Lice Eggs) Adhered To Hair Follicles, Or
  • Lumps On The Head, Neck, And Shoulder That Are Red.

Additional indications and symptoms of Pediculus humanus capitis.

  • Shoulder, Scalp, And Neck Red Spots
  • Sticking Nits (Lice Eggs) To Hair Shafts
  • Tickling Feeling From Hair Movement
  • Intense Itching Of The Scalp

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Finding a live louse on the scalp is difficult since they are light-sensitive and move swiftly. A nit comb is a faster, more effective technique to identify a head lice infection. The quantity of false negatives decreases while employing a nit comb compared to direct viewing. Some professionals think that using a lubricant, such as water, conditioner, or oil, slows the lice down and makes diagnosis easier. Frequently, eggs are easier to see near or behind the back of the neck.

Identifying a Pediculus humanus capitis infestation is not recommended only based on the presence of nits.

Up to 66% of children get unnecessary treatment when a diagnosis is established solely based on the presence of nits. If live lice cannot be discovered, they should not be treated.

TREATMENT

If the doctor verifies that your kid has lice and you haven’t treated the infestation, they would likely offer over-the-counter treatments. If you’ve taken OTC treatments and still have moving lice, your doctor may prescribe a more potent drug, including the following: 

  • Ivermectin pills. Lice get this oral medicine from human blood. It is used when other medications fail.
  • Malathion lotion 0.5% (Ovide®).  Only for children above six; kills lice and eggs. Malathion is combustible and skin-irritating. It may be absorbed into the skin; therefore, follow the application guidelines properly.
  • Lindane shampoo 1%. Because it’s poisonous and absorbed into the bloodstream, it’s seldom utilized. This drug is used when others fail.

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