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The louse is an ectoparasitic insect that establishes an inharmonious relationship with human beings. Feeding on our blood, lice are responsible for triggering a disease called pediculosis. Three types of pediculosis are recognized: the head, the body, and the pubic region. Pediculosis of the head is a very common disease in school-age children and stands out for being the best-known type of pediculosis. Therefore, greater emphasis will be given to it in this text.
What Is Louse
The louse is an apterous (wingless) insect that feeds on blood and parasitizes humans. It can be found on the head, body, and pubic region. Head lice develop in this region and bear the scientific name Pediculus humanus capitis. They are, without a doubt, the best known. The body louse is called Pediculus humanus corporis, and its popular name is “Maquina.” Finally, the pubic louse is called Phthirus pubis and is popularly known as “borer.”
Head louse life cycle
During development, the louse goes through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The eggs, known as nits, are laid by the head louse very close to the hairline. These eggs have a kind of glue, which guarantees them greater adherence to the threads. During its lifetime, a female louse can produce about 300 eggs.
After they hatch, about seven to 10 days after deposition, the nymph appears. It develops and, after approximately 12 days, it reaches adulthood. The adult stage is more difficult to be visualized, since, generally, adult lice are few. They are most often found in the occipital and posterior auricular region, that is, the back of the head.
Louse Transmission
Head lice are spread through direct contact with a person who has them. In the case of head lice, you can get it, for example, by touching your head to someone else’s. In addition, personal lending effects can also guarantee transmission. Hairbrushes, hair clips, scarves, bandanas, helmets, hats, and caps, for example, can spread the disease.
Pediculosis of the head is very common in schoolchildren, as they tend to have close contact with their peers, which facilitates contagion. A curious fact is that some children do not feel the characteristic itchiness caused by the louse, which can further favor the spread. It is essential to make clear that the transmission of lice is not related to poor hygiene.
In the case of body lice, this can be transmitted by sharing clothes. Pubic pediculosis, in turn, can be acquired through sexual contact.
Pediculosis Symptoms
Pediculosis can cause some symptoms, the main one being intense itching which can be treated in lice removal Chicago for example, triggered by anesthetic and anticoagulant substances released by the parasite at the time of feeding. In the case of pediculosis of the head, the region usually most affected is the back of that part of the body. In addition to itching, reddened spots can appear and sores due to scratching, which can lead to secondary infections. Bumps in the back of the neck and behind the ears can also develop in these cases. In body and pubic pediculoses, itching is also present. Small hemorrhagic lesions and papules may be seen on the trunk, abdomen, and buttocks of people with body pediculosis. In the case of pubic pediculosis, violaceous spots and abrasions can be observed in the region. As in pediculosis of the head, secondary infections can also be seen in pediculosis pubis and the body.
Pediculosis Treatment
The treatment of pediculosis like in lice removal Chicago of the head involves special shampoos and the removal, with a fine-tooth comb or by hand, of the lice and nits. In some cases, oral medication may be recommended by the doctor. However, it is worth noting that, even after using shampoos, lotions, or oral medication, the nits must be removed, as these products do not eliminate them.
