Pediculosis is a fairly common parasitic disease, the culprit of which is a louse, which settles mainly in the scalp. Most often, this disease affects children. Until recently, it was believed that pediculosis appears in those who lead the wrong lifestyle and do not monitor their personal hygiene. But scientists have proven that lice, on the contrary, like to settle on a clean head, because it’s easier to bite through the skin and get to the blood. Thus, even children from wealthy and affluent families can become carriers of head lice.
Where does pediculosis come from? It is impossible to say unequivocally where it can be picked up. Most often these are places of mass crowds (street, work, metro, etc.), and if we talk about children, then a kindergarten, school, sports section, mugs, etc. If lice live on one child’s head, then all surrounding children can catch head lice. In order to prevent, the hair of children should be checked at least once every 7-10 days for the presence of lice and their larvae - nits.
How to detect head lice? Pediculosis does not have pronounced signs of its existence, and yet it is quite simple to detect. An alarm for parents may be the fact that the child often scratches his head. When examining the hair area of the head, the lice themselves can not be detected, since they are quick and when they hear the alarm sign, they quickly move to another part of the head. It is easiest to see nits - they are white in color and very similar to dandruff. They are located mainly at the base of the hair, and combing them, unlike dandruff, is very difficult. So, if the child scratches his head, and in the hair there are small particles similar to dandruff, you should definitely go to the doctor. Only he can accurately determine the presence or absence of the disease.
How to treat pediculosis in children? If your child has harmful parasites - lice - settled on his head, this is not a reason to rush into a panic. Today, pediculosis is successfully treated, the main thing is not to throw everything on its own, and wait until the lice themselves disappear. Without your intervention, they will continue to multiply, but there is a great risk of catching a more serious disease through blood poisoning. It is possible to treat pediculosis in children today even without such drastic measures as cutting hair, rubbing kerosene and tar soap into them. Of course, these folk remedies are also quite effective, but much more unpleasant. Today you can do much easier: buy a special remedy for pediculosis in children at a pharmacy. Most often it takes the form of shampoo, balm or mask. But here everything is not so simple. Pediculosis treatment in children should be carried out under the close supervision of a doctor, only he can prescribe one of dozens of drugs.
It is worth noting that all drugs for lice are quite toxic substances. Excessive use of them can lead to the development of allergies, scalp burns and even poisoning if the product accidentally gets inside. Thus, the treatment of pediculosis in children should take place according to the following, approximate scheme:
1. Detection of lice and their larvae - nits. The child should definitely be shown to the doctor.
2. Fulfillment of those prescriptions that the doctor will prescribe.
3. The purchase of only the remedy for lice, which was prescribed by a doctor.
4. Carefully reading the instructions. It contains important information about the drug itself and how to use it correctly.
5. Application of funds to the child’s head only in the amount prescribed by the doctor or recommended in the instructions.
6. Observation of the child. After the action of the drug, you need to take a comb with frequent teeth and start combing out dead lice and their larvae.
7. Wash and disinfect the patient’s underwear and clothing.
8. Prevention and examination of other family members for the presence of the disease.
9. If the lice have not disappeared, a second treatment should be carried out, but it is advisable to make another visit to the doctor.
10. In no case should the situation be left to chance, and the very treatment of pediculosis in children always bring to the end.