Pediculosis (lice) is a parasitic disease that occurs with damage to the scalp. It is transmitted in close interaction with a sick person. The causative agent of lice is louse. There are several varieties of them: clothes, pubic and head. They are distinguished by the method of transmission and localization. Pediculosis, the treatment of which is long and complex, is associated with unsanitary conditions, worsening social and living conditions. Climate change and poor public awareness also contribute to the rapid spread of the disease. Very quickly, it spreads in groups of children.
Species of Lice
The head louse is mainly localized in the scalp. Pathogen transmission occurs when hats and combs are used together. People with long hair are most susceptible to this disease. Settling at the base of the hair of the head, lice begin to feed on blood, injecting their saliva into the bite. As a result, a local inflammatory reaction develops, a diverse bacterial infection is rapidly developing. As a rule, in the initial stages, the pathology is asymptomatic. As the parasite multiplies, patients complain of intense itching. The scalp is covered with a yellow crust, the roots of the hair become inflamed. Perhaps an increase in local lymph nodes. The most obvious signs of the disease are manifested in the neck, behind the ear folds and temples. In the process of breeding, female lice lay eggs - nits. They are located at the base of the hair and look like small drop-shaped formations of a grayish-pearl color. Finding nits is a confirmation of the diagnosis of pediculosis. Treatment should be started immediately.
Pubic lice settle at the base of the pubic hair, on the upper thighs and scrotum. Infection can occur during sexual intercourse and the sharing of bed linen, towels. Severe cases of the disease are characterized by the spread of lice to the armpit, eyelashes, eyebrows and beard. A characteristic feature of this type of pediculosis is the appearance of small grayish-blue spots and severe itching of the skin. The small size of lice makes it difficult to diagnose. The parasite can be detected by careful examination at the roots of the hair. In this case, a person may not be aware for a long time that he has head lice. Treatment can last for a considerable period of time.
Body louse is less common than head and pubic. Parasitizes on seams of clothes, folds and bed linen. As a rule, louse is located in places of tight fit of clothes to the surface of the skin. The body louse is larger than the head louse . On the skin after bites, characteristic blisters and swelling appear. Scratches on the skin contribute to secondary infections. Complicated pediculosis is formed, treatment in this case, requires the appointment of antibacterial agents.
Diagnosis, treatment and, of course, prevention
Diagnosis of pediculosis is based on an external examination of the patient. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of nits and characteristic rashes on the surface of the skin. Inspection is subject to folds of underwear.
After diagnosis, the doctor decides on how to treat head lice. Most often, complex therapy is used. Drug therapy includes the use of ointments and shampoos with antiparasitic components. These include Lindane gel and Para-Plus spray.
In the case of pubic pediculosis, both sexual partners are subject to treatment. Prevention of lice is a daily change of linen. Old clothes must be boiled. In some cases, it is recommended that you even burn it.