Lice
Lice infestation is known as pediculosis. The tiny insects live mostly in the skin and hair of the scalp, body and groin, and in clothing. They feed on blood by piercing the skin. The white eggs or nits may be seen on hair. Adult insects may be seen on the scalp, combs, clothing and beds. Lice cause itching. They spread easily in schools and crowded living conditions. From the groin they can spread through sexual contact. They can also transmit some diseases like typhus fever (a parasitic infection that spreads in crowded living conditions). Scabies is caused by mites, which are minute insects. They usually burrow between the fingers and toes and also into the skin of the armpits and groin. They cause small vesicular eruptions and the itching is severe. Scratching may add a bacterial infection. Treatment of LiceThorough washing and bathing help prevent both lice and scabies infestations. Treatment with local applications - of crotamiton (which also has an anti-itching effect), benzyl benzoate, permethrin or gamma benzene - should preferably be repeated to make sure the eggs are destroyed. Follow the doctor's advice regarding precautions (the medications are eye irritants and have other side effects and are better not used in babies or pregnant women), repeat use, and when to bathe after the application. Antibiotics are required for any bacterial super-infection. Prevention for LiceThe infected person should not share combs, towels etc. with others. Clothes, towels and bed-sheets should 'be washed after keeping them in boiling water. Close contacts also may need treatment. |
|||
|
|
| Home | About Disease-Condition | Resources | Contact | Copyright © 2005 - Disease Condition |
Diseases & Conditions || Symptoms Checker || Herbal Remedies || Asthma || Deep Skin Disorders || Drugs
Featured Listings: Walking Canes - the walking cane does wonders for your everyday life and greatly improves mobility.
